Nokia turns up the heat on battery forgers

Nokia today unveiled its latest initiative in the battle against low-quality counterfeit mobile phone batteries.

To help customers identify original batteries from rip-offs that have been known to catch fire, the mobile giant has introduced an authentication system using holographic labels on all its new batteries.

"Consumer safety is our most important concern and we are taking even more aggressive measures to raise consumer awareness about the dangers of counterfeit batteries and poor quality third-party batteries," said Razvan Olosu, vice president of mobile enhancements, multimedia, at Nokia.

"With this new authentication programme, we are directly attacking the counterfeiters who manufacture potentially unsafe batteries.

"The hologram label enables consumers to identify that the battery they are using is indeed an original Nokia battery."

The 3D tag consists of a holographic image and authentication code hidden under a scratch-off area on the label.

Consumers can visually inspect the holographic image and identify detailed information to check whether the product is original.

The high-tech label features the Nokia connecting hands symbol, the Nokia original enhancements logo, and a series of dots around the logo with each element visible depending on the viewing angle.

Users can verify, either online or via SMS, the 20-digit authentication code hidden under the scratch-off area. To check your battery online click here

In addition to the labelling programme, Nokia promised to continue working with law enforcement authorities to take "strong legal measures including criminal prosecutions" against companies or individuals caught selling counterfeit Nokia products.