Identification features

Abstract

Methods for providing pharmaceutical compositions and objects with identification regions and identification features which are difficult to detect. Microlithography, nanolithography, and stamping methods are used. The identification features can be positive protrusions or negative indentations with respect to the surface. The identification regions can comprise bar codes and holograms. DPN printing or other lithographies such as electron beam lithography, optical lithography, or nanoimprint lithography can be used to prepare stamps, which are then used to prepare the identification features. Redundant patterns can be formed. The invention is useful for counterfeit prevention. An apparatus for stamping the identification features is also described.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method of making a pharmaceutical composition having at least one identification region and at least one identification feature comprising: (i) providing a stamp which has a surface to form at least one identification region having at least one identification feature, wherein the identification feature has a lateral dimension of about 100 microns or less; (ii) providing a pharmaceutical composition having a surface; and (iii) contacting the stamp and the pharmaceutical composition under conditions so that the pharmaceutical composition comprises a surface having the at least one identification region having at least one identification feature, wherein the identification feature has a lateral dimension of about 100 microns or less. 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the feature does not comprise added chemicals. 
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the contacting is carried out at a temperature of about 25° C. to about 400° C. 
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the contacting is carried out at a pressure of about 0.01 MPa to about 1,000 MPa. 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the contacting is carried out for a time of about 0.1 seconds to about 50 seconds. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the contacting is carried out for a time of about 0.1 seconds to about 50 seconds, at a pressure of about 0.01 MPa to about 1,000 MPa, and at a temperature of about 25° C. to about 400° C. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the identification feature has a lateral dimension of about 100 microns or less. 
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the identification feature has a lateral dimension of about one micron or less. 
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the identification feature has a height dimension of about one micron or less. 
     
     
         35 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the identification feature has a height dimension of about 250 nm or less. 
     
     
         36 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a plurality of identification features which are separated from each other by an average distance of about 100 microns or less. 
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the identification region is about 10,000 square microns or less. 
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the identification feature comprises an indentation into the surface. 
     
     
         39 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein the identification feature comprises a protrusion out from the surface. 
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein identification region comprises a bar code. 
     
     
         41 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein identification region comprises a hologram. 
     
     
         42 - 48 . (canceled)