Abstract: A label inspection system automatically inspects print on labels carried seriatim on a web. The system comprises a photoelectric sensing system including a light inspection sensor sensing reflected light and an electrical control circuit providing an output at a select first or second electrical state dependent upon sensed reflected light being above or below a select level. The sensor is mounted at a select transverse position in a path of movement of the web to sense reflected light along a select longitudinal path of the web, the select longitudinal path including a portion of the labels carried on the web intended to have print, the print acting to minimize reflected light. A detect sensor sense proximity of the inspection sensor relative to a select longitudinal portion of each successive label and provide an enable signal relative thereto.

Abstract: A counterfeit resistant label for goods is manufactured by selecting a code word from a plurality of possible code words to identify a particular label and desired information relative to the goods with which the label is to be associated, applying the code word as a series of marks in several but less than all of a plurality of predetermined locations on the face of the label using an ink that is sensitive to light in the nonvisible spectrum, and masking the visibility of the ink in light in the visible spectrum over substantially all of the predetermined locations.