A marker for remote detection of articles has an elongated sensor element
with magnetic and electric properties. The elongated sensor element
provides an electromagnetic reply signal when receiving an
electromagnetic input signal. The elongated sensor element modulates the
electromagnetic reply signal in response to an external magnetic
modulating field. The marker also has means positioned in a vicinity of
the elongated sensor element in the marker. The means is adapted to
influence either the magnetic or the electric properties of the elongated
sensor element in response to incident electromagnetic or magnetic
energy, so that either the electromagnetic reply signal itself or the
modulation thereof is substantially changed from an active state to a
deactivated state.