About

About DNA Technologies

DNA Technologies (DNAT) is a globally recognized leader in security marking and brand protection, offering patented solutions that safeguard valuable products, brands, and intellectual property. Our advanced technology integrates both physical and digital authentication to combat counterfeiting, product diversion, and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Our Origins & Evolution

Founded in 1993 by Charles Butland, DNA Technologies was initially known as Art Guard International, created to provide art authentication solutions. Our first customer, Joe Barbera of Hanna-Barbera fame, recognized the value of our innovative approach to security.

Shortly after, the O.J. Simpson trial propelled “DNA evidence” into the public consciousness, underscoring the marketing potential of Charles’ invention. This led to the company’s rebranding as DNA Technologies, Inc.

In 2010, the company was acquired by Wendell Smith, owner of Polestar Ltd., a long-time partner of DNA Technologies. Following this acquisition, DNA Technologies merged with PhotoSecure, an innovative company with roots in the Photonics Center of Boston University. Together, we pioneered the use of photoluminescent dyes and uniquely encoded DNA markers to enhance security solutions across industries.

Cutting-Edge Authentication Solutions

DNA Technologies’ proprietary DNA Matrix™ technology utilizes DNA-laced inks, dyes, and resins to tag and protect tangible products. These markers serve as an irrefutable molecular signature that remains embedded for life.

Our authentication process consists of:

  • Physical Security Layer: Unique DNA-based markers applied to products for covert authentication.
  • Forensic-Level Verification: Laboratory-based Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis for precise identification.
  • Digital Tracking & Traceability: Recently integrated technology that enhances product authenticity and provides consumers with digital Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) and proof of ownership.

Industry Expertise & Proven Success

With over 25 years of experience, DNA Technologies has protected high-value items across multiple industries, including:

  • Fine Art & Collectibles – Ensuring authenticity and provenance for valuable works of art and memorabilia.
  • Precious Metals & Luxury Goods – Safeguarding bullion, jewelry, and high-end merchandise from counterfeiting and fraud.
  • Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare – Enhancing supply chain integrity and preventing counterfeit medications.
  • Consumer Goods & Packaging – Providing protection for premium brand merchandise and preventing product diversion.
  • Government & Defense Applications – Assisting in secure identification and anti-counterfeit measures for official documents and assets.

Key Benefits of Our Technology

By leveraging DNA-based authentication, our clients benefit from:

  • Revenue Protection & Market Share Recovery – Preventing counterfeit sales that erode brand value.
  • Ongoing Distribution Monitoring – Controlling product piracy and unauthorized diversion.
  • Product Integrity Preservation – Maintaining the authenticity of goods in the marketplace.
  • Enhanced Consumer Confidence – Reinforcing trust in premium and luxury brands.

At DNA Technologies, we continue to innovate and expand our solutions, ensuring the highest level of security for products and brands worldwide.

Did you know?

The threat is real - check out these numbers.

1,601,760,000

Items marked

37

Global Brands Protected

88

Billion dollars saved

Our Team

Talk to the people that work directly on the business.

Mike Hayes

Mike Hayes

Managing Director

Mike Hayes is Managing Director of DNA Technologies and brings over 20 years experience in the marketing and business development fields. Mike started his career with the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in London, England where he worked on many of the agency’s large international and pan-European brands. Mike joined the team at DNA Technologies in 2000, and now works tirelessly to rid the world of counterfeit and diverted products. In his 30+ years in business, he has co-authored one book, took a company public and proudly registered his name on a Canadian patent.

Mike Cyr

Mike Cyr

Business Development

Mike Cyr brings extensive experience in marketing and business development to his role in brand protection and anti-counterfeiting. With a degree in Marketing and strong organizational skills, Mike collaborates with clients to develop cost-effective and highly secure solutions using DNA Technologies’ patented DNA Matrix™ technology.

Barry K. Scott

Barry K. Scott

Director of Business Development & International Partnerships

Barry brings over 25 years of experience in sales and leadership to his role at DNA Technologies. He has a proven track record of developing effective sales strategies and building strong client relationships across diverse industries. Barry’s expertise in business development and international partnerships make him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to drive growth and achieve success in today’s competitive marketplace.

Wendell Smith

Wendell Smith

Chairman

Wendell M. Smith was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised and educated in Hartford, Connecticut and Maplewood, New Jersey. He attended Dartmouth College for his B.A. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Wendell is the Founder and President of Polestar Ltd – a company engaged in licensing and consulting in Security Printing technologies. Previously Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., a Member of the Boards of Directors of American Maize-Products Corporation, Globe Ticket and Label Company and Bowne & Company, Inc. He was employed with Sikorsky Aircraft; Barnes Engineering Corporation; Electro-Optical Equipment; and Baldwin Technology Co – Printing Press Controls, where he led an MBO, IPO, and growth from $2.5M revenues to $250M, with operations in 5 countries.

Karen Wilson

Karen Wilson

CAO

As Administrative Director at DNA Technologies, Karen Wilson manages operations, adminstration and finance for the company. Karen stepped into the role from a previous position with our parent company, Polestar LTD. She studied Mechanical Engineering in Boston, at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, and went on to fill key roles in Quality Control with Perkin Elmer and Product Design at Teledyne Mt. Vernon, before moving into Technical Sales & Service at Baldwin Technologies. Karen joined the team at DNA Technologies at a crucial point of our expansion into China.