A subset of unique codes are generated from a set of codes. The subset of
codes are stored in a database on a secure server and each of the codes
is marked on a corresponding instantiation of the product. The marked
instantiations are distributed. During their distribution, the marked
instantiations are verified for authenticity and for routing. This
verification is performed by reading or scanning the codes on the
instantiations, and transmitting that information to the secure server
for comparison against the codes and other information located in the
database contained therein.