Authenticity is the name of the game: Los Angeles Kings will use blockchain to check the authenticity of sports merchandise

Representatives of the NHL outfit Los Angeles Kings have recently issued an official press release stating that they have teamed up with a company called Pro Exp Media Inc., who specialise in the development and roll-out of AR apps created using blockchain.

Contents:
1. Innovative technology fit for “The Kings”
2. How will the app work?
3. Extra features

Innovative technology fit for “The Kings”

“Kings” fans will soon be able to start using the AR Authentication App (a blockchain platform that utilizes elements of augmented reality technology), which will allow them to check whether various items of Kings’ merchandise and memorabilia purchased at the club’s shops or from retailers are genuine or not.

During the initial stages of large-scale implementation, users will only be able to use this app to verify the authenticity of products purchased in either the special online “LA Kings Game-Used Merchandise” store, where fans can buy hockey kits and other such accessories that have been used by players in real matches, or at official club stores at LA Kings’ home ground, the Staples Center. The scope of the decentralised app’s activity will be widened in the future to cover all merchandise purchased anywhere in the world.

How will the app work?

Both “Kings” officials and the developers remain tight-lipped about the technical workings of the blockchain app, but they have promised that it will have a simple, easy-to-use interface, good functionality and a number of unique killer features, such as exclusive video messages from Kings’ players, coaches and even the Club President and former ice hockey legend, Luc Robitaille, which will play when the app is being used.

The purpose of the AR Authentication App is that it’s able to distinguish genuine goods from their stolen or fake counterparts due to its use of blockchain and AR technology. It appears that official LA Kings merchandise now has a special digital trademark. Information on this trademark is stored on blockchain, where it can’t be changed or deleted, which guarantees a product’s authenticity. Augmented reality technology will be used to recognise this trademark in real time and to play video clips featuring members of the “Kings” team.

Once they’ve downloaded the AR Authentication App from Google Play or Apple App Store, users will need to verify their identity, which they will be able to do in the app itself. After completing the authentication process, hockey fans will be able to enjoy everything that the app has to offer. Using the app will be quite straightforward. In order to check the authenticity of an item they’ve purchased, users will need to point their phone’s camera at the item of hockey merchandise or the sticker, which serves as a certificate of authentication.

If a product is authentic, a 3D video message from a member of the LA Kings team will appear in the app. Failing that, users will be able to say that a merchandise item is, without a doubt, either stolen or a fake.

Extra features

In addition to an exclusive video message, the AR Authentication App will generate certificates for customers proving a product’s authenticity and their right to own this item of merchandise, which they will be able to print hard copies of. Customers will be able to use these certificates when selling or gifting LA Kings merchandise.

All the information about the subsequent journey of each product will be registered on the app and logged on blockchain, which will allow customers to trace an item’s purchase history before it came into their possession.