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Rio Ferdinand joins Cifr.io – Unclonable Product Authentication Microchip

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Rio Ferdinand Joins Cifr.io to Combat Counterfeit Football Shirts with Revolutionary Patented Unclonable Blockchain Technology Microchip

Locate – Scan – Authenticate – Engage

LONDON, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Football legend Rio Ferdinand has joined forces with Cifr.io, a UK-based technology firm pioneering a groundbreaking solution to tackle the global epidemic of counterfeit football shirts. Leveraging blockchain-powered, unclonable microchip technology, Cifr.io is set to revolutionise the authentication of official merchandise, ensuring fans receive only genuine products while protecting clubs from financial losses.

The counterfeit football shirt trade has reached crisis levels, with millions of inauthentic kits flooding online marketplaces every season. These imitations not only dupe consumers but also divert crucial revenue away from clubs, affecting everything from youth development to player wages. Traditional anti-counterfeiting measures, such as barcodes, holograms, and QR codes, have failed to curb the problem. They have become clonable security measures, which are easily copied by counterfeiters. 

Cifr.io’s unclonable microchip technology, however, offers a definitive solution.

“Counterfeit football shirts are damaging the game at every level,” said Rio Ferdinand, Global Ambassador and investor for Cifr.io. “As a player, you know how much passion and support fans bring to the game, and they deserve the real thing, not cheap imitations. Cifr.io’s technology ensures authenticity, while also enhancing fan engagement. It’s a game-changer.”

The patented microchip technology is embedded directly into football shirts, and is a viable solution across all luxury products and merchandise. Fans can scan the chip with their phones, instantly verifying authenticity while gaining exclusive access to club content, such as player interviews, match day discounts, ticket sales and personalised offers. Additionally, clubs can update this dashboard in real-time, opening new marketing and fan engagement opportunities. With all these never seen before features, clubs and fans can have peace of mind that the often convincing counterfeit shirts, cannot and will not, have the Cifr microchip in – again, thanks to its unclonable technology. 

This unique approach strengthens fan loyalty, enhances the connection between global supporters and their clubs, and drives merchandise sales. In addition to safeguarding clubs and fans against counterfeit products.

Cifr.io provides valuable consumer data, allowing clubs to monitor fan engagement and purchasing trends through their Cifr dashboard in real time. Cifr are confident this technology will transform how football clubs interact with their fans.

Co-founded by AI and blockchain expert Ali Alawadi, Cifr.io is already making waves in the industry. Several Premier League clubs are in discussions to integrate the technology, and football icon David Beckham was introduced to the innovation at Inter Miami in late 2024. The company also showcased its cutting-edge solution at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, embedding its microchip into trophies awarded to players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., and Jude Bellingham.

Tommaso Bendoni, CEO of the Globe Soccer Awards, praised the partnership:

“We had the pleasure of collaborating with Cifr.io for the 2024 awards, incorporating their innovative chip technology into our trophies. This added a new dimension to the experience, allowing winners to instantly access season highlights for their award. We highly recommend Cifr.io for organisations looking to enhance product authenticity and engagement.”

With counterfeit football shirts threatening the integrity of the game, Cifr.io is leading the charge in protecting clubs and fans alike. By embracing this technology, the football industry, and industries alike, have an opportunity to eliminate counterfeiting once and for all.

www.cifr.io

About Cifr.io

Cifr.io is a UK-based technology company specialising in blockchain-driven authentication solutions. Co-founded by AI and cybersecurity expert Ali Alawadi, the company has developed a patented, unclonable microchip to combat counterfeiting in sports merchandise, luxury goods, and event memorabilia. With football legend Rio Ferdinand as Global Ambassador, Cifr.io is working with leading clubs and brands to revolutionise product authentication and fan engagement.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2625060/Cifr_1.mp4
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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2625062/Cifr_Team.jpg
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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2625065/Shirt_Scan_2.jpg

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World IP Day 2026: PitchMark launches Ideas.Exchange to help creators safeguard and license ideas in the age of AI

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SINGAPORE, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To mark World IP Day 2026, PitchMark® today launched Ideas.Exchange, a first‑of‑its‑kind platform designed to help creators assert intellectual property rights, license ideas, and formalise creative conversations in an increasingly AI‑driven economy.

Unveiled at Safeguard Your IP in the Age of AI, a media briefing hosted by CNBC’s Sri Jegarajah, the platform responds to growing concern that ideas are routinely used, reused or absorbed without attribution, consent or compensation—often with limited legal or commercial recourse.

“AI has amplified both the reach and the risk for creators,” said Mark Laudi, Managing Partner of PitchMark LLP. “Ideas.Exchange gives creators a way to protect themselves while still participating confidently in the market for ideas.”

At its core, the platform focuses on three interventions for creators:

Asserting IP rights by establishing proof of authorship and precedenceLicensing ideas without giving them away for freeFormalising conversations so pitches and evaluations are governed rather than informal

Ideas.Exchange is powered by three proprietary resources developed by PitchMark. These include a blockchain‑driven clearing house where ideas and creative works can be listed and licensed; smart contracts that automate usage terms and reduce disputes; and an IP Governance Certification Program designed to signal responsible handling of ideas, particularly in enterprise and AI contexts.

The result, PitchMark says, is three concrete outcomes: deterrence of idea theft, new ways to monetise ideas through structured licensing and price discovery, and a more level playing field that allows creators to pitch to clients and platforms on equal terms.

The launch comes amid renewed scrutiny of how intellectual property is treated in the AI era. While idea theft is rarely reported, its impact is significant. Beyond visible financial losses, organisations and creators often absorb hidden costs through talent attrition, innovation suppression and abandoned market opportunities.

“Most idea theft occurs informally and never reaches the courts,” said Prof David Llewelyn, Professor Emeritus of Law at Singapore Management University. “Introducing governance, traceability and standards is a meaningful step toward addressing that gap.”

Spokespeople including Prof Llewelyn, technology lawyer Bryan Ghows, and Mark Laudi are available for interview.

About PitchMark

PitchMark® deters idea theft and enables creatives to get paid by providing a trusted way to share and license ideas with prospects and clients.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/world-ip-day-2026-pitchmark-launches-ideasexchange-to-help-creators-safeguard-and-license-ideas-in-the-age-of-ai-302753571.html

SOURCE PitchMark

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SK hynix receives 2026 IEEE Corporate Innovation Award for Driving AI Computing Expansion with HBM

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SK hynix honored at the 2026 IEEE Awards for leading AI technology innovation with HBM Contributed to the global AI computing ecosystem via stable mass production across all HBM generationsCompany committed to becoming a premier leader in AI innovation through collaboration with global customers and partners

SEOUL, South Korea, April 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SK hynix Inc. (or “the company”, www.skhynix.com) announced today that it received the Corporate Innovation Award at the ‘2026 IEEE1 Honors Ceremony’ held in New York on the 24th (local time).

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Established more than a century ago, the IEEE Awards Program recognizes individuals and teams whose innovations have advanced technology and improved the human condition.

The IEEE Corporation Innovation Award, part of the Recognitions category, has been presented since 1986 to companies that have significantly contributed to the advancement of industry and society through innovative technology. This marks the first time SK hynix has received this honor.

SK hynix attributed the honor to its contribution to the global AI computing ecosystem by ensuring the stable mass production of all High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) generations. Looking ahead, the company aims to solidify its position as a trusted partner in the global AI market by providing memory solutions that are critical to overcoming the performance limitations of AI platforms.

The recognition highlights SK hynix’s achievements in driving the expansion of AI computing through HBM innovation and application. Central to this success was the company’s ability to preemptively offer innovative HBM solutions and respond timely to customer demands in the global AI market.

Industry observers also credit this achievement to the strategic direction of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who has long emphasized securing long-term technological competitiveness. Under his leadership, the company has consistently expanded its AI infrastructure partnerships with global Big Tech firms in the United States.

Ahn Hyun, President and Chief Development Officer (CDO), attended the ceremony as the company representative to accept the award.

“It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of our employees, who have tirelessly challenged the limits of technology,” said Ahn. “By collaborating closely with our global customers and partners, we will stay ahead in creating the value the market demands and continue to be a premier company leading AI innovation.”

About SK hynix Inc.
SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”) and flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

About IEEE
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization and a public charity dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at https://www.ieee.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-hynix-receives-2026-ieee-corporate-innovation-award-for-driving-ai-computing-expansion-with-hbm-302753615.html

SOURCE SK hynix Inc.

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NCL (Formerly Natural Cure Labs) Unveils New Brand Identity, Reinforcing Its Position as a Leading Monolaurin Supplement Company

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Natural Cure Labs, one of the most recognized monolaurin supplement brands in the United States, is officially transitioning to NCL – the same company, same formulations, and same science-backed standards, under a streamlined name.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 25, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Natural Cure Labs, one of the most recognized monolaurin supplement brands in the United States, is officially transitioning to NCL. The company, founded in 2015, is adopting a streamlined brand identity while maintaining the same formulations, manufacturing standards, team, and commitment to quality its customers have trusted for more than a decade.

“NCL represents the quality, transparency, and innovation that our community expects from us. As we enter this new chapter, our commitment to our customers and our standards remains as strong as ever.”

NCL stands for Natural Cure Labs. The name change reflects how customers and the team already refer to the company. Over the past 10+ years, “NCL” has become the natural shorthand for Natural Cure Labs – and this transition formalizes that identity. This is a name change and visual evolution only. Ownership, leadership, formulations, and values remain unchanged.

Same Mission, Sharper Identity

This transition is not a departure from who the company is – it is a natural progression. The values that have guided NCL from the very beginning remain unchanged: clean-label quality, third-party testing, science-backed formulations, and an unwavering commitment to transparency. What is changing is how the company presents itself. In the months ahead, this rebrand will be accompanied by further updates across the brand experience – from visual identity and packaging to how NCL shows up across every channel and platform. Each of these changes will reflect the same standard of excellence customers have come to expect.

What is changing is how the company presents itself. In the months ahead, this rebrand will be accompanied by further updates across the brand experience – from visual identity and packaging to how NCL shows up across every channel and platform. Each of these changes will reflect the same standard of excellence customers have come to expect.

More Than 10 Years of Trust

This evolution comes at a time of significant momentum. Since 2015, NCL has grown from a small startup into an award-winning wellness brand available nationwide through Amazon, Walmart, Target+, TikTok Shop, eBay, and other major marketplaces. Along the way, the company has reached milestones that reflect the trust its community has placed in it:

200,000+ customers served worldwide35+ million capsules sold7,000+ verified customer reviewsRecognition in the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companiesMultiple Stevie Awards from the American Business AwardsNamed a 2025 and 2026 Gator100 HonoreeThree-time Global 100 winner for Best Health & Wellness Nutrition Manufacturer

“This rebrand isn’t about changing who we are – it’s about evolving how we present ourselves to match the brand our customers already know and trust,” said Damon Sununtnasuk, Founder & CEO.

What This Means for Customers

For existing customers, nothing changes about the products they know and trust. The same formulations, manufacturing facilities, quality controls, and customer support team remain in place. Products sold as Natural Cure Labs and products sold as NCL are from the same company. Customers can continue to find NCL products on the company’s website and through Amazon, Walmart, Target+, Kroger, eBay, and other major marketplaces.

NCL is grateful for every customer who has been part of this journey and is excited for what is to come.

Media Contact

NCL (Natural Cure Labs), NCL (Natural Cure Labs), 1 8003036214, press@naturalcurelabs.com, https://www.naturalcurelabs.com/

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SOURCE NCL (Natural Cure Labs)

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