Abstract: In order to protect a paper-thin valuable document or identification document on which an identification mark has been placed, for example by means of a printing technique or by a laser technique, in such a way that counterfeiting is extremely difficult, at least part of said identification mark is repeated at another point by changing the thickness of the document locally. At least part of the identification mark is thus clearly liked to the paper substrate.

Abstract: A check writing system for providing a compact convenient system for carrying checks. The check writing system includes a main cover member which includes a front surface and a back surface and is used substantially to provide rigidity for the check writing system to facilitate writing checks, a plurality of check blanks each of which is detachably coupled to the main cover member, and a front cover member which is coupled to the main cover member and used to provide protection for the plurality of check blanks from creasing, stray marks, and wear due to rubbing.

Abstract: A security document production scheme is presented for the creation of a security document including a prismatic multi-color security image. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a security document is provided comprising a security image defined on a face of the document. The security image is defined along first and second dimensions by the superposition of a primary security image portion and a secondary security image portion. The primary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a first color. The secondary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a second color. The primary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments. The secondary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene core layer with print features and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, and are difficult to counterfeit, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: A security document production scheme is presented for the creation of a security document including a prismatic multi-color security image. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a security document is provided comprising a security image defined on a face of the document. The security image is defined along first and second dimensions by the superposition of a primary security image portion and a secondary security image portion. The primary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a first color. The secondary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a second color. The primary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments. The secondary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the security of selected information associated with a negotiable document, such as the monetary value of a cheque. In the invention, one or more security features are printed or applied onto the cheque. One such security feature is an encrypted control code. The preferred embodiment employs a secret key cryptographic scheme to encrypt the monetary value and thereby generate a first control code which is printed on tile cheque. When the cheque is presented for payment, a validator, such as bank or cheque cle aring house, employs a verification system having a copy of the encryption key to read the monetary value from the cheque and re-encrypt it according to said scheme to generate a second control code. The cheque is not honoured if the first and second control codes are not identical. Another security feature is a security image, composed, for instance, from a foreground image of the monetary value superimposed over a background motif image.

Abstract: A sheet material, such as a bank note, having tactile indicia therein, the tactility of which is resistant to deterioration and useful for assisting persons with impaired vision to identify one or more predetermined characteristics of the sheet material such as a bank note. The sheet material has therein at least one embossment forming the indicia and comprises a first surface and a second surface, with one of the surfaces defining a cavity in the area of the embossment. A layer of reinforcing material is provided to at least the area of that surface which comprises the cavity. Once the reinforcing material is dried and/or cured the embossment (indicia) is strengthened by the layer of reinforcing material and thereby rendered more durable when the bank note is subjected to the wear of circulation. The reinforcing material may be selected from the group consisting of varnishes, inks, adhesives and caulking compounds.

Abstract: Unauthorized alteration of a document can be avoided in a secure document that includes a substrate (10) defining the body of the document. Indicia (24, 26, 30, 32, 36 and 40) located on the substrate (10) designate an area (42) to receive variable information by an impression. The variable information is that whose alteration is to be avoided. A chemical, carbonless imaging system (44) is disposed on the substrate (10) at the area (42) and is operative to form a visible image upon receipt of an impression and a transparent film (46) is located on the substrate (10) to cover the area (42). As a consequence of the construction, any attempt to alter an image appearing on the film (46) will be apparent from the original imaging of the chemical carbonless imaging system (44) or by smudging thereof indicating an alteration attempt.

Abstract: A security document production scheme is presented for the creation of a security document including a prismatic multi-color security image. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a security document is provided comprising a security image defined on a face of the document. The security image is defined along first and second dimensions by the superposition of a primary security image portion and a secondary security image portion. The primary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a first color. The secondary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a second color. The primary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments. The secondary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments.

Abstract: A security document or token such as a banknote is provided which has a transparent portion of plastics material which includes a security device. The region surrounding the transparent portion and preferably all the remaining part of the banknote is printed with indicia. The security device includes regions of embossed lines extending at different angles to each other defining different shapes that are visible to a greater or lesser extent upon transmission and reflection of light as the note is tilted, rotated or viewed from different angles relative to the light source. The embossed lines in some of the regions are finer than coarser and deeper and more widely spaced lines in the other regions. The coarser, deeper lines are of such a thickness and width as to be detectable by touch in addition to being visible by the naked eye.

Abstract: To improve the security in data carriers, such as papers of value, bank notes, ID cards, etc., a numbering apparatus is proposed for individualizing the data carrier whereby the characters are engraved in the engraved blocks present on the numbering apparatus such that the serial number extends along a line having a curvature.

Abstract: A security document and its method of preparation are provided wherein a security image area on the face of the document is designated. The security image area comprises a two-dimensional array of security image blocks. Security image elements and the complementary security image elements in respective security image blocks are arranged such that the security image element and the complementary security image element portions occupy respective first and second percentages of each of the security image blocks to define respective characteristic relative occupation values (CROVs) for each security image block. The respective CROVs are substantially equivalent among a plurality of the security image blocks. A target CROV is established.

Abstract: A machine-readable check comprising a check and a machine-readable image block printed on the check. Preferably, the image block is a two-dimensional print code.

Abstract: A method for preventing fraudulent use of a document which is intended to be used by a designated individual, by the steps of, digitally photographing the face of an individual who has possession of the document to form a digital representation of the face; processing the digital representation to generate digital printer input data; and printing a visually observable image of the face of the individual on the document, using the digital printer input data.

Abstract: A security system for a document utilizing a plurality of fluorescent snippets on the document with other encryption data printed thereon with visible and invisible ink that becomes bright when subjected to certain light. The system combines visible and invisible data that is encrypted, totaled and when subjected to a algorithm will match a selected component of said data.

Abstract: A method of making a document, such as a check or stock certificate, having enhanced security against counterfeiting. The document includes a strip of foil having a three dimensional light diffracting image thereon affixed to the document. The strip of foil may be affixed to the document before or after the background printing or face printing of the document is completed. In this manner, the light diffracting strip may be printed on by the background and face printing of the document as desired.

Abstract: A combination preselected medication sample prescription form, sample payment check, and medication sample regulating device includes a support panel having an obverse and a reverse surface and defines first, second and third portions thereof. An area for receiving written, printed or typed patient identification information is viewably applied over the obverse surface of the first portion which also includes a medication prescription form, the entire first portion being detachable from the adjacent second portion along a transverse tear line of weakness. The second portion, positioned on the support panel centrally between the first and third portions, includes manufacturer's product information printed on both the obverse and the reverse surfaces thereof. The third portion includes a preprinted payment check for a sample quantity or as a partial payment for a larger quantity of preselected medication.

Abstract: The invention relates to paper, in particular a sheet of paper, preferably security paper such as a bank note, check or the like, the paper (1) comprising at least one window (2) therethrough bridged by a transparent film (3), such as a plastics film or a transparent paper.

Abstract: A negotiable document having enhanced security for deterring fraud includes at least one thermochromatic fingerprint image printed with thermochromatic ink, wherein said thermochromatic fingerprint image will fade when heat is transferred to the image from a live human hand. The negotiable document further includes a warning clause that the negotiable document may be fraudulent without the thermochromatic fingerprint image.

Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for automatically tracking check transactions and generating an expenditure statement thereof using printed bank checks having a plurality of graphic icons disposed thereon. The customer marks the icon which describes the particular expense for which the check payment is being made. The payor bank or a check processing center scans each check to determine which icon(s) have been marked for each particular check transaction. Recorded expenditures are then automatically recorded in a cumulative transaction record. Periodically, this information is organized into a detailed expenditure statement that can be provided to the bank customer.

Abstract: A combination preselected medication sample prescription form, sample payment check, and medication sample regulating device includes a support panel having an obverse or front facing surface which defines a first and second portion thereof. An area for receiving written, printed or typed patient identification information is viewably applied over the first portion and a removable medication prescription form is attached over the second portion of the support panel. The second portion includes a preprinted payment check for a sample quantity or as a partial payment for a larger quantity of preselected medication. This combination permits the physician to simultaneously begin the process of distributing a sample quantity of the preselected medication and to write a prescription for any quantity therefor. The preferred embodiment also includes a manufacturers product information sheet removably attached to either the support panel or the prescription form, or between both.

Abstract: A copyproof document includes a paper document substrate, a disc having a primarily holographic first face facing away from the substrate and a second face with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive engaging the substrate, and mechanical intertwining between the substrate and disc so that they are substantially inseparable. The mechanical intertwining enables the materials thereof become substantially inseparably intertwined, the permanent adhesive also acting to insure inseparability. Typically the parameter of the disc will be a mechanically intertwined with the substrate while at the center there is little or no mechanical intertwining so that the holographic activity of the first face is not significantly occluded. Unique identifying indicia (e.g. consecutive numbers or bar coding) may also be provided on the disc, and application of the discs to a document may not be practiced without security authorization and access (by key, computer, or the like).

Abstract: A negotiable document includes enhanced security for deterring the fraudulent photocopying of the subject negotiable document. The present invention includes at least one true fourdrinier watermark and/or at least one artificial watermark comprising a fingerprint and a visually perceptible watermark representation for comparison with the watermark to determine the validity of the negotiable document. The visually perceptible representation is printed with thermochromatic ink. When the visually perceptible representation is rubbed with a live human hand, heat is transferred to the thermochromatic ink. The visually perceptible representation will fade and disappear as the ink is heated by the rubbing action and heat of the hand. The negotiable document further includes a warning clause notifying the user of the disappearing properties of the visually perceptible representation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier representing value provided with recognizable pattern, for instance in the form of giro checks, bankchecks, banknotes, shares, bonds and other documents representing a value, wherein the patterns are formed by parts treated by means of a laser beam. This object is reached in that the patterns have been provided by means of a laser light beam. The use of a laser beam makes it possible to apply particularly fine structures which either cannot be applied with other treating methods, or only with the greatest financial effort. The use of laser beams enables variation of the width or depth of the channels or perforations which is almost impossible with other treating methods.

Abstract: A high security removable page book, such as a check book, receipt book, etc. that protects against inadvertent removal of more than one page at a time and prevents removal of a page from the back of the book. In one embodiment, each page has at least one extension along one edge. The extensions on alternate pages are along different edges, preferably opposite edges. Pages are removed by alternately lifting opposite edges for alternate pages. Thus, the second and succeeding pages are not liftable until pages above have been sequentially removed. Pages preferably include indicia showing which end of each page is to be lifted. A copy sheet may be provided behind each page to record a copy of information written on the page. The copy pages may be folded out of the way. A card is hinged to the assembly in a manner permitting it to be introduced under a copy sheet to prevent print-through.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a postcard check which can be automatically processed by the U.S. Postal Service and a check clearinghouse. The postcard check meets all the dimensional requirements set forth by the U.S. Postal Service to be classified as a postcard. Moreover, on one side of the postcard check, a postal bar code is placed and positioned such that the postal bar code permits the U.S. Postal Service to automatically process the postcard check through the U.S. mail system. Furthermore, on the other side of the postcard check, a MICR number is placed to allow the check to be processed automatically at a clearinghouse and the banks. Since the postal bar code and the MICR number are on opposite sides of the postcard check, the MICR number is not mutilated by the U.S. Postal Service when it automatically processes the check.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically accessing and verifying checking account status based on information contained in a bar code printed on a check, travelers check or money order. A bar code scanner reads the information contained in the bar code and, based on that information, determines a bank code and an account code. Based on the bank code or account code, a proper bank, travelers check company or money order company is automatically contacted. Checking, travelers check or money order account information is then transmitted to the proper bank, travelers check company or money order company. Account status information is received from the bank, travelers check company or money order company and displayed on the merchant's terminal. Finally, a receipt is printed with a bar code matching information on the check, travelers check or money order.

Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for automatically tracking check transactions and generating an expenditure statement thereof using printed bank checks having a plurality of graphic icons disposed thereon. The customer marks the icon which describes the particular expense for which the check payment is being made. The payor bank or a check processing center scans each check to determine which icon(s) have been marked for each particular check transaction. Recorded expenditures are then automatically recorded in a cumulative transaction record. Periodically, this information is organized into a detailed expenditure statement that can be provided to the bank customer.

Abstract: A system for single-pass printing of a tamper-resistant, electronic form character on a print media sheet is provided. The system includes a printing subsystem and a character generation subsystem communicating with the printing subsystem. The character generation subsystem includes (1) a database for storing a plurality of tamper-resistant, composite electronic form characters, each of the plurality of tamper-resistant, composite electronic form characters including an electronic form character overlaying a security background, and (2) a character manager for retrieving a selected one of the plurality of tamper-resistant, composite electronic form characters from the database in response to an instruction provided by the printing subsystem to the character manager, the selected one of the plurality of tamper-resistant, composite electronic form characters being transmitted to the printing subsystem for single-pass printing thereof on the print media sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated check register and budget register for, among other purposes, the tracking of checks and the tracking of a budget or categorization of expenditures. The integrated register includes a plurality of data sheets longitudinally folded, with the fold forming two quadrants on each side or surface of the paper or data sheet. When adjacent data sheets are unfolded there are four quadrants, which when imprinted with check and budget register indicators, form an integrated check and budget register.

Abstract: A document protection system is disclosed which employs a thermochromic pantograph and a validation mark. Also disclosed is a method to print thermochromic pantographs onto a substrate. A thermochromic pantograph according to the present invention has a latent image which is rendered visible when sufficient heat is applied to the document to activate the reactive properties of the thermochromic ink. The latent image could form a warning message such as "STOP" or "ALERT" which would alert recipients that a counterfeit copy has potentially been created. The thermochromic pantograph may also comprise a camouflage background pattern which conceals the printed ink of the latent image. A validation mark preferably has a latent "validation" image which can be visually identified on an original document, but which cannot be accurately reproduced by conventional copying or scanning means, and thus will not be visible on an unauthorized copy or duplicate.

Abstract: A personal check includes a substrate defined to be written on and to be transferable from a first person to a second person. The personal check also includes: check characterizing indicia printed on the substrate, and at least three different types of identification indicia printed on the substrate such that the identification indicia are not removed from the substrate when the substrate is transferred from the first person to the second person. These identification indicia include a picture of at least the face of the first person, an alphanumeric physical parameter identifying an at least approximately visually discernable physical characteristic of the first person, and a predetermined signature of the first person. In one implementation, the check characterizing indicia and the identification indicia are interposed on the substrate. A plurality of these personal checks are comprised in a checkbook.

Abstract: A secure manner for issuing travellers cheques and other instruments is provided which overcomes many of the shortcomings associated with known devices. In particular, the present invention provides a device which permits an issuer of prepaid instruments to securely provide credit, replacement, or reimbursement to a purchaser who has lost or had stolen a prepaid instrument.

Abstract: A method and device for concurrently calendaring an appointment or event between at least two persons comprises selecting a recording instrument having a check format. The recording instrument may be a check book folder, pocket calendar, or electronic calendar device. The check format has blank lines for entering at least the names of the persons, a date and time, and a signature line. The date and time are entered on the check format. The names of the persons are applied to the check format. A signature of at least one of the persons is obtained. The recording instrument is separated into at least two parts and the parts are distributed to the at least two persons involved. A bridging element may be provided that extends across the at least two parts of the check format for maintaining a symbolic connection between the at least two parts.

Abstract: An advertising check (10) having a checking account name (12A) printed thereon. The advertising check (10) further has a check pay endorsement (14A) printed thereon. The advertising check (10) further has a check date (14B) printed thereon positioned above and adjacent to the check pay endorsement (14A). The advertising check (10) further has a check pay amount box (14C) printed thereon. The check pay amount box (14C) further has a correlating check pay amount box script (14CA) printed adjacent thereto. The advertising check (10) further has a check financial institute clearing code (14E) printed thereon positioned along a bottom edge. The advertising check (10) further has a retail product graphical display (16A) printed thereon. The retail product graphical display (16A) further has a correlating retail product graphical display textual information (16AA) printed adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A method of fund raising for a non-profit organization by discounted collection on special issue checks includes collecting funds from members of the organization and depositing the funds in an account in a bank, issuing special checks backed by the funds to the members, use of the checks at face value by the members to purchase goods or services from the participating merchants, clearing of the checks back to the bank on which they are drawn, and payment on the checks to the named payee merchants at the face value minus a prearranged discount. The checks are MICR encoded with a discount value prior to presentation for collection. The discount is credited to the organization minus any service fees required by the bank or clearing process and a share of the discount to an intermediary company which negotiates cooperation of the bank and acceptance of the checks at face value and discounted collection by the merchants.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing and clearing traveler's checks that are paid for by credit card. A quantity of traveler's checks having a total value are sold to a buyer. An account identifier is received from the buyer. A lock is placed against the identified account for a lock value of at least a portion of the total value. Preferably, the identified account is a credit card account. The lock value and the credit card account number are communicated to a credit card clearing house and an authorization that a lock equal to the lock value has been placed against the credit card account is then received from the credit card clearing house. Information identifying the credit card account of the buyer of each traveler's check that is sold is communicated to the traveler's check issuer, which stores the information in a database. When the buyer cashes a traveler's check, the traveler's check issuer obtains payment on the check.

Abstract: A negotiable document includes enhanced security for deterring the fraudulent photocopying of the subject negotiable document. A first pantographic design is imprinted as the general background of the front face of a check and a second pantographic background design is imprinted in the amount line and in the signature line. The enhanced security document of the present invention further includes a muted warning phrase of a first dot size incorporated in the first pantographic design and a muted warning phrase of a second dot size incorporated in the second pantographic background design. Alternatively, it will be understood that a similar warning phrase may be generated with a different first and second size dot density or line density instead of a first dot size and a second dot size. By using a plurality of line densities, or dot densities, or dot sizes for the warning phrases, an unauthorized individual will be unable to adjust a photocopier to mask a single warning phrase.

Abstract: A method of writing a bank draft using an electronic printer and placing the bank draft in an envelope is accomplished by providing a single sheet of paper. The sheet of paper is completely opaque and sized to be received within the electronic printer. The paper sheet has a front surface and a back surface and a perimeter which is defined by opposite side and end edges. A line of perforations extend between the opposite side edges and divide the paper sheet into an envelope portion and a bank draft portion. The paper sheet is fed into the electronic printer where recipient indicia is printed on the envelope portion and bank draft indicia is printed on the bank draft portion. The paper sheet is then discharged from the electronic printer and folded so that the envelope portion forms an envelope for the bank draft.

Abstract: A display mount apparatus has three panels hinged together with a single ductile hinge to form a calendar display with two covered display panels and an easel panel. A calendar is stapled to one of the display panels through the covering and through the ductile hinge to force the ductile hinge to bend along a predetermined hinge line. A method of making a display mount includes attaching a ductile hinge between first and second panels, then cutting an easel panel from a portion of the first panel and into the ductile hinge to form the easel panel already attached to the ductile hinge. The first panel may be a single panel or may be folded, in a face-to-face relationship so that the attached easel portion on one side can be rotated on the ductile hinge from one side of the folded first panel. The back of the first panel and one side of the easel panel may have printing thereon.

Abstract: A commercial paper document is provided with all necessary information to be a legal negotiable instrument sufficient to complete a financial transaction via facsimile. The commercial paper document contains user input fields (including a payee name, a date and an amount) completed by a drawer or payer party. The commercial paper document further contains computer-readable code fields for information including a bank identification number and an account number which may be in a bar code format. Security of the transaction is ensured by placing an encrypted code field (such as a signature field) on the document. When the commercial paper document is sent to both the payee and the drawee and the payee presents the document for remittance, the drawee may verify the authenticity of the document using the encrypted code field.

Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for automatically tracking check transactions and generating an expenditure statement thereof using printed bank checks having a plurality of graphic icons disposed thereon. The customer marks the icon which describes the particular expense for which the check payment is being made. The payor bank or a check processing center scans each check to determine which icon(s) have been marked for each particular check transaction. Recorded expenditures are then automatically recorded in a cumulative transaction record. Periodically, this information is organized into a detailed expenditure statement that can be provided to the bank customer.

Abstract: A copyproof document includes a paper document substrate, a disc having a primarily holographic first face facing away from the substrate and a second face with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive engaging the substrate, and mechanical intertwining between the substrate and disc so that they are substantially inseparable. The mechanical intertwining enables the materials thereof to become substantially inseparably intertwined, the permanent adhesive also acting to insure inseparability. Typically the perimeter of the disc will be a mechanically intertwined with the substrate while at the center there is little or no mechanical intertwining so that the holographic activity of the first face is not significantly occluded. Unique identifying indicia (e.g. consecutive numbers or bar coding) may also be provided on the disc, and application of the discs to a document may not be practiced without security authorization and access (by key, computer, or the like).

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or coded indicia images, typically in a printed form. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: An original document includes alphanumeric characters defined by an overprinted reflective layer formed on a complex patterned region, and having graphic or font size, shape and type coordinated to the particular patterns in the patterned region. The coordination of the overprinted reflective layer with the patterned region is such that if the document is electronically scanned or duplicated by xerographic photocopying, the pattern will at least partially obscure the alphanumeric characters so that they can only be read with difficulty, thereby camouflaging the text.

Abstract: A method for producing a validation mark on security paper includes printing the mark on the paper using an ink that has the same color as the paper but which has more uniform directional reflectance than the sheet of paper. That is, the dried ink is a more uniform diffuse reflector than is the paper. When the mark is illuminated by a light source located on one side of the mark, the mark appears lighter than the paper around it when viewed from the same side as the light source, but the mark appears darker than the paper around it when viewed from the side opposite the light source. An exemplary formulation is given.

Abstract: Multiple validations of printed documents incorporating image information and authorizing data on a printed document assist in the printed document validation process. This technique requires the authorized document holder to have an image identification accompany the application or production of the document. Image information is converted to a storable image that is used in one of a plurality of validating schemes that assures that the presenter of the printed document is not a substitute. Such schemes included visual comparison of the printed document presenter and extracted image information and validation that the data has not been altered. Non-reversible encryption of the data, as it is read from the document at the document presentation site is used to formulate encoded authorization data that is then compared against like encoded authorized document holder data stored at a centrally located data base.

Abstract: A mailer intermediate, and a combination postcard and negotiable instrument mailer, are provided which has the benefit of postcard postal rates, yet provides the confidentiality of a mailer. The intermediate is formed by a quadrate sheet of cellulose based stock with first and second parallel lines of weakness (e.g., perforations) extending substantially transverse to the side edges of the sheet and dividing the sheet into an outgoing address portion, a negotiable instrument portion, and a combination security and reply portion. When the sheet is folded about the first line of weakness to form a mailer, the mailer has postcard-sized dimensions (e.g., about 4.25".times.6") with the outgoing addressee indicia image on the outside face of the address portion and negotiable instrument indicia (including payee and MICR indicia) on the inside of the mailer, negotiable instrument portion. The outgoing address portion has a width of about 1.2-1.

Abstract: A printable sheet having a high printing quality and a high handling resistance. At least one of the sides of the sheet is treated with a composition which comprises at least one filler and at least one elastomeric binder. The elastomeric binder is selected from the group consisting of aqueous dispersions of polyurethane, acrylate copolymers, optionally carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymers, and polymers of which one of the monomers is acrylonitrile, isoprene, or neoprene, or mixtures thereof. The sheet can be used for manufacturing protected documents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the security of a check or negotiable document and deterring the generation of copies of the check or negotiable document. The signature area of a document is imprinted with a pantograph background design different from a pantograph background design covering the remainder of the face of a check. A warning clause describes the color and/or background of the signature area. The endorsement area of a document is also imprinted with a pantograph background design. A warning clause describes the color and/or background of the endorsement area.