Abstract: A method for use in a process to authenticate a consumer product includes receiving a serial number from a device through a network, wherein the device is configured to detachably couple to the consumer product, determining a validity of the serial number, transmitting a number to the device through the network, using the number to generate a reference verification number in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, receiving a calculated verification number from the device through the network, and comparing the calculated verification number with the reference verification number to determine whether the consumer product is authentic.

Abstract: A method that involves product authentication includes associating a serial number of a device with a first consumer product, thereby allowing an authenticity of the first consumer product to be verified using the device, determining whether the first consumer product is authentic using the serial number, and associating the serial number of the device with a second consumer product after the first consumer product is sold and after the device has been returned for recycling, thereby allowing an authenticity of the second consumer product to be verified using the device.

Abstract: A product authentication device for use with a consumer product includes an integrated circuit, a housing containing the integrated circuit, a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling the housing to the consumer product, and a communication interface for receiving an input from a transmitting device, wherein the integrated circuit is configured to use the input to generate an output in accordance with a predetermined algorithm for verifying an authenticity of the consumer product.