Security Image Register

The International Optical Technologies Association (formerly known as the International Hologram Manufacturers Association – IHMA) expanded and relaunched one of its most important membership services, the Hologram Image Register (HIR), as the Security Image Register (SIR) in January 2024 to reflect the growing use of advanced optical security technologies beyond holography.

SIR The Next Frontier In Security Images Webinar 600px

Click on the image to access the SIR webinar recording

Inherited with more than 10,000 hologram registrations from the HIR, a number that continues to grow, SIR now serves as the definitive global registry for protecting the intellectual property of optical security designs.

The following FAQs provide detailed information on the SIR, including what it is, why it was introduced, what it covers, how it works, who can use it and the benefits it offers to the authentication and security printing industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Security Image Register (SIR)?

The SIR is the only system of its kind for the authentication community. The centrally held it is a secure global database for the registration and verification of optical security images and optically variable devices (OVDs). It helps prevent copyright infringement, duplication and counterfeiting of security designs.

2. What was the Hologram Image Register (HIR)?

Established in 1993 by IOTA (then IHMA), the Hologram Image Register (HIR) was a secure, confidential, global database that records and tracks holographic and DOVID security designs.

3. Why the change from HIR to SIR?

The expansion and rebranding of the HIR reflect the changing realities of the global security printing industry. Holograms are increasingly being combined with other optically variable devices (OVDs) to create integrated, advanced anti-counterfeiting solutions.
The aim of the SIR is to maintain the security and integrity of the register while broadening its scope to include a wider range of OVD technologies.

4. Who operates the SIR?

The SIR is operated on behalf of IOTA by the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB), a division of the International Chamber of Commerce, under strict confidentiality and security standards aligned with ISO 14298 requirements for security printing and security foil processes.

5. What technologies can be registered now in the SIR?

In addition to holograms, 12 further primary OVD technology groups can be registered, including:

Caustics
Colour change
Dielectric
DOVID
Lenses
Plasmonics
Photonic crystal
Print
Reflection
Polarisation
Waveguides
Sub-wavelength gratings

These technologies can be registered as stand-alone or combined features, whether or not they include a holographic element.
Some technologies are further divided into sub-groups to provide more accurate classification, with 22 sub-groups currently recognised.

6. Who can use and register on the SIR?

The SIR is designed for:

Hologram and OVD manufacturers
Security printers
Banknote and passport designers
Packaging converters
Authentication providers
Government agencies
Central banks
Revenue authorities
Brand owners

Both IOTA members and non-members can register images.

Non-members wishing to register must complete an approval process with the IOTA Secretariat to ensure they are legitimate and compliant with the IOTA Code of Conduct before registration can proceed.

7. What are the benefits of the SIR?

The SIR delivers several important benefits to manufacturers, security printers, governments and brand owners, including:

IPR protection – Helps clarify copyright ownership and prevent inadvertent copying of optical security images.
Prevention – The register helps prevent unintentional duplication and promotes legitimacy, confidence and credibility between manufacturers and customers.
Reduced counterfeit risks – Registration of holograms and OVDs is increasingly required across government and security printing sectors to strengthen anti-counterfeiting controls.
Support for law enforcement – Authorised law enforcement agencies can use the registry to verify the provenance of suspect designs during investigations.
Standards compliance – Intergraf ISO 14298 references the checking and registration of holograms and OVDs using a recognised database or registry. As part of this standard, foil producers must register all security holograms they produce in a global registry (ie. the SIR).
Controlled access – The registry is securely maintained, and users can access only their own information, records and registrations.

8. How does the SIR work?

The registration process consists of two stages.

Design search and clearance – Artwork and copyright information are submitted electronically to the CIB for database checking. If no conflicting or duplicate design exists, a clearance notification is issued.
Full registration – Once the optical feature has been completed, the applicant submits technical and physical details, including proprietary methods, technologies and a physical sample. A digital registration certificate is then issued.

If a design or part of a design already exists on the database, the CIB issues a warning notification and advises on the next steps.

9. Why is copyright verification important?

Many organisations incorrectly assume that purchasing an OVD automatically transfers copyright ownership. In most cases, copyright remains with the original creator unless formally reassigned in writing.

The SIR helps clarify ownership, protect intellectual property rights and reduce the risk of costly legal disputes and inadvertent counterfeiting.

10. How is data confidentiality maintained?

The SIR database is maintained under strict confidentiality and security controls by the CIB. The platform complies with recognised security standards and includes resilience measures to protect sensitive information. Users can access only their own current and historical registration records

11. Has the register helped prevent counterfeiting?

Yes. The HIR and now the SIR have played an important role in helping identify copyright conflicts, preventing inadvertent duplication and supporting enforcement agencies in investigations involving counterfeit security documents and products.

12. How is IOTA promoting the SIR?

IOTA promotes the SIR through:

Industry conferences
Webinars
Social media
Industry newsletters
Partner associations
PR and media activities

The association is also engaging with government agencies and forensic document examiners to support authentication and enforcement activities.

13. Is registration linked to standards or tenders?

Yes. Intergraf ISO 14298 for security printing references the verification and registration of security foil images using a recognised database.

The SIR is currently the only global database of its kind for optical security images.

In some cases, participation in tenders may also require companies to be members of IOTA or to demonstrate recognised security and authentication capabilities.

For more information on ISO 14298, visit: Intergraf ISO 14298 Certification

14. Is registration free?

Registration is free for IOTA members. Non-members can also use the service, although fees apply. The fee for non-members is £500.

15. Can non-holographic OVD producers become IOTA members?

Yes. IOTA has expanded its membership criteria to include manufacturers of non-holographic optical security technologies and other optically variable security features.

16. Is the SIR fully online?

Yes. The SIR portal enables fully electronic artwork submission, online copyright verification and digital registration processes, improving speed and operational efficiency.

17. Can law enforcement agencies access the SIR?

Yes. Authorised law enforcement agencies can access the registry to verify the provenance and legitimacy of suspect optical security devices during investigations (see also benefits – point 7).

For more information, please contact the IOTA secretariat at info@iot-association.org