Secure Asset Chain-of-Custody System

Many supply chains rely on separate databases, paper records, or isolated tracking systems that can be altered, lost, or become inconsistent as products move between different organizations. This makes it difficult to verify who had custody of an asset at each stage, confirm its authenticity, detect unauthorized changes, or investigate disputes.

The invention addresses these challenges by providing a secure digital chain-of-custody system that records every asset registration and custody transfer in an encrypted, non-repudiatable transaction log. It creates a trustworthy record of an asset's lifecycle, from initial registration through transfer, use, and final disposal. The system can also record environmental or handling conditions, such as spoilage or damage, and generate confirmation reports whenever custody changes occur. By improving traceability, transparency, and accountability, the invention helps reduce fraud, errors, and uncertainty in supply chain operations while making it easier for authorized parties to verify the integrity and history of assets.

The invention provides a secure electronic chain-of-custody system that records and manages every significant event in an asset's lifecycle using encryption technology, including blockchain in some embodiments. The system registers authorized participants and assets, records each custody transfer as an encrypted transaction, and stores the information in a non-repudiatable transaction log to create a reliable and tamper-resistant history of the asset.

Whenever an asset changes custody or status, the system generates confirmation reports for the relevant parties and updates the transaction log. It can also integrate sensors or user inputs to record environmental conditions, handling events, or evidence of spoilage, degradation, or damage. By maintaining a secure, traceable, and verifiable record of asset movements and condition throughout the supply chain, the invention improves transparency, accountability, and trust while helping organizations detect irregularities and maintain the integrity of their supply chain operations.

Yes. The invention addresses a significant gap in prior art by moving beyond systems that focus on isolated functions such as location authentication, PIN verification, secure procurement transactions, or public key privacy. Instead, it provides an integrated solution for maintaining a secure, encrypted, and non-repudiatable chain of custody across an asset's entire lifecycle. The invention records every custody transfer in a tamper-resistant transaction log, generates confirmation records for custody changes, and can capture asset condition information such as spoilage or damage. This improves end-to-end traceability, accountability, and integrity of supply chain records, addressing limitations of prior systems that did not provide comprehensive lifecycle tracking for assets.

The invention's distinctive features include the use of an encrypted electronic chain-of-custody system that securely records every asset registration and custody transfer in a non-repudiatable transaction log. It registers both authorized agents and assets, generates confirmation reports whenever custody changes occur, and maintains a verifiable record throughout the asset's lifecycle. The system can also integrate sensors or user inputs to monitor environmental, handling, or asset conditions, enabling the recording of spoilage, degradation, or damage. These features provide secure, end-to-end traceability, transparency, and accountability across the supply chain while supporting multiple asset types and industry applications.

Industries where the invention can be useful?

The invention has broad commercial potential because secure asset tracking, traceability, and chain-of-custody management are important across many industries. Organizations can use the technology to improve supply chain transparency, reduce fraud, strengthen regulatory compliance, verify product authenticity, and maintain trusted records of asset transfers. Its ability to securely document custody changes and monitor asset condition makes it suitable for both physical and digital assets. Potential industries include: Supply Chain & Logistics Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Food & Beverage Agriculture Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing Aerospace & Defense Automotive Retail & E-commerce Warehousing & Distribution Cold Chain Logistics Oil, Gas & Energy

An estimate of the total addressable market?

US$30–80+ billion globally.

Potential Customers/End Users. Who might benefit?

Potential customers and end users include organizations that need secure asset tracking, supply chain transparency, and verifiable chain-of-custody records, including: Manufacturers Supply chain and logistics companies Third-party logistics (3PL) providers Pharmaceutical and medical device companies Food and beverage producers and distributors Retailers and e-commerce businesses Electronics manufacturers Automotive and aerospace companies Government agencies Customs and border authorities Defense and military organizations Warehousing and distribution companies