IP Australia has collaborated with the NRL (National Rugby League) to test a new digital app created to reduce counterfeiting. Under the trial, two of the NRL’s official online merchandise stores, NRL Shop and Savvy Supporter, will be registered with the “trust badge” as visible proof that IP Australia has confirmed the website as authentic. The badge also offers a link to a registered trademark.

The trust badge is part of IP Australia’s Smart Trade Mark platform, which is being trialed to enable trademark owners to authenticate their products or services, their places, and their supply chains. Utilizing blockchain technology, the platform allows trademark owners to digitally link to the government register to prove they are the authentic owner of the trademark, a product’s origin, and control the use of their marks.

“NRL members and fans are the lifeblood of our sport who want to buy the genuine article when supporting their club – the Trust Badge helps NRL fans identify authentic and licensed products online,” NRL general manager consumer business Shaun McMartin said in a statement. “Counterfeiting damages legitimate wholesalers and retailers who invest in genuine products and robs the NRL Clubs of much-needed revenue.” IP Australia stated in addition to operating with the NRL. It is also associating with other industry and government agencies to test the Smart Trade Mark.

The government agency is carrying out similar tests with the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. They are operating together to trial a system of traceability and verification for bush food supply chains. IP Australia first signaled its aim of using blockchain to support authentication in 2018. At the time, it stated it was seeing at utilizing the technology to prove food provenance, and it was going to start with baby formula.