In the competitive realm of banknote production and security, Oberthur Fiduciaire stands out as a leading player. Each year, this industrial powerhouse produces tens of millions of banknotes, ensuring their security thanks to a cutting-edge research and development operation.
With a significant portfolio of patents, bolstered by the acquisition of the Swedish firm Rolling Optics in 2023, Oberthur continues to innovate and lead in the field of intellectual property. This article delves into the company’s dynamic approach to intellectual property and its relentless pursuit of advanced security technologies for banknotes.
Perhaps more so than other sectors, the banknote printing industry was severely shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic. Around the world, questions were being asked about the very concept of cash amid (unfounded) concerns that banknotes could be vectors of viral transmission. In a world sliding relentlessly towards digitalisation, some have argued that banknotes are facing an existential crisis. Thomas Savare, CEO of famed French banknote and security printing firm Oberthur Fiduciaire, is not one of them. “Cash is a time-honoured instrument, appreciated by people at large, and which has given every proof of proper functioning,” he stated in an interview with the magazine Politique Internationale.
Indeed, Oberthur Fiduciaire, a prominent industrial entity renowned for its extensive manufacturing capabilities, has remained steadfast in its commitment to improving and developing banknotes and, especially, banknote security features in order to secure the future of physical currency. The firm is a prominent industrial entity renowned for its extensive manufacturing capabilities, producing banknotes for countries around the world and is a leader in innovation, holding dozens of patents that underscore its commitment to advancing technological solutions and enhancing the security features of banknotes. This dual focus on large-scale production and cutting-edge R&D solidifies Oberthur Fiduciaire’s position as a key player in the global banknote manufacturing sector.
The importance of intellectual property
“The banknote is by its very nature a high-security and highly technological product. The security aspects of banknotes are under constant development,” said Thomas Savare. To maintain its leading position within this niche industry, the firm has consistently prioritised research and development, placing significant emphasis on intellectual property. This strategic focus ensures that the company remains at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement, continually enhancing its products and services.
Savare, more than most, understands the competitive nature of the industry, with relatively “few players compared with other sectors, [and] the need for innovation is pushed to the limit.” Companies must continuously innovate to stay ahead of counterfeiters and distinguish themselves from competitors, which is crucial for maintaining the trust of central banks and the billions of people who use banknotes daily. “The market is changing, and security features, starting with high security threads, are at the heart of our business. Oberthur Fiduciaire is gradually transforming itself into a supplier of top-quality intellectual property. Our numerous patents are available under license to satisfy the needs of other papermakers or printers, but also to central banks which would like one or more of our innovative solutions,”he adds.
Innovation through patents
Oberthur Fiduciaire has always placed real importance in the acquisition of firms that are one step ahead of the competition in terms of innovation, patenting state-of-the-art technologies that help build trust in an infamously cautious industry. This process has included several strategic acquisitions, notably the purchase of VHP Security Paper, a specialized firm based in the Netherlands, in 2017. The buy-out enabled Oberthur to bolster its supply chain resilience during the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic. “VHP Security Paper has been producing and supplying state-of-the-art banknote paper throughout the world for more than 200 years. It was the right choice and the perfect match for both Oberthur and VHP,” said Savare following the deal.
More recently, the firm acquired a 71% stake in the Swedish company Rolling Optics, specialists in micro-optic technology. Speaking following the buy-out, Thomas Savare said was delighted to announce the development of a new product – AnimaTM – “This thread is extraordinary because it offers spectacular and unique movement with different variations that make it virtually impossible to copy. This new product complements our range of offerings in the premium thread and foil segment to the banknote market. With Relief and its unique 3D effects, and Pulsar which integrates ingenious micro-optics, to name but a few, Oberthur Fiduciaire holds now a key position in the field of innovative solutions”.
Oberthur Fiduciaire is acutely aware that securing its future and future of the industry relies on a robust policy with regards to R&D and securing its intellectual property in such a competitive, niche industry. “I am convinced that banknotes and coins will continue to be used on a massive scale for a very long time to come, despite the proliferation of digital payment methods. The banknote has been used for centuries and Oberthur Fiduciaire intends to be part of this adventure for the decades to come. We have the means to achieve our goals, it is up to us to use them efficiently,” affirms Savare. The future of cash still looks bright, because despite the growing number of digital payment methods, cash still enjoys the trust of users. A trust which, as we can see, has nothing to do with chance.
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Intellectual Property and Banknote Security: Oberthur Fiduciaire Leads the Charge
