In a move set to revolutionize the battle against counterfeit luxury items, tech company Entrupy is harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide consumers with a definitive answer on the authenticity of designer handbags and sneakers. The company, established in 2012 and supported by industry giant Louis Vuitton, asserts its ability to accurately distinguish genuine products from fakes, as reported by Elle.
Entrupy’s innovative software is at the heart of this authentication process, guiding users to submit comprehensive images of their items from various angles. When dealing with handbags, the technology employs high-resolution microscopic lenses for an in-depth analysis of key elements, including the designer plaque’s curved edge, logo intricacies, leather grains, and the serial number.
The collected specifics are then cross-referenced with a wealth of accumulated information, linking them to a specific factory or batch number for authentication purposes. Sneakers undergo a similar scrutiny, with a macro lens capturing details that are cross-referenced with authentic styles and high-quality duplicates stored in the Entrupy database.
Upon completion of the scanning process and inputting necessary details, the Entrupy system swiftly delivers the authenticity verdict within minutes. However, for certain styles or rare items, the authentication process may take a bit longer. Following confirmation of authenticity, a certificate is promptly issued and sent via email to the user.
Entrupy’s co-founder, Vidyuth Srinivasan, emphasized the company’s mission to instill trust in consumers. “The whole point of doing this is to add trust and make it verifiable as a third party,” stated Srinivasan to Elle. “It’s the consumer having the certainty that this is not just [one] person saying that it’s authentic, there’s also a third party that’s not invested in the transaction, certifying it. It’s all verifiable and trackable over time.”
Currently, Entrupy’s focus is on specific designer handbags and sneakers, with Adidas and Nike representing the sneaker category and Louis Vuitton and Chanel among the featured handbag brands.
(The article was originally published in TOI)
