Abstract: A security label with a sheet material having a first major surface. An adhesive layer containing an identifier medium is coated on the first major surface. A barrier medium is selectively applied on an exposed surface of the adhesive layer for at least partially blocking diffusion of the identifier medium from the adhesive layer into a substrate. A release liner may be provided that extends substantially over the exposed surface of the adhesive layer. A method of preparing the security label includes applying a barrier medium in the form of an identifier pattern to a low energy surface material. The low energy surface material is laminated to a security label having an adhesive layer containing an identifier medium. When the low energy surface material is removed from the adhesive layer, the barrier medium substantially transfers to the adhesive layer to block diffusion of the identifier medium into a substrate.

Abstract: A composite marker providing electronic article surveillance (EAS), identification, and authentication. The marker preferably includes an EAS detection element which includes a low-coercive force, high-permeability ferromagnetic material, and an adjacent, remanently-magnetizable ferromagnetic material which, when magnetized, alters a characteristic response produced by the first material when in an interrogation zone of an associated EAS system, an intermediate layer containing UPC or similar optically-readable information and a substantially-transparent, optically-detectable security element overlying said intermediate layer and having means integrally associated therewith for thwarting counterfeiting or other unauthorized duplication.