Antifalsification paper and security document produced therefrom

The invention relates to a security paper for the production of value documents, such as banknotes, certificates, etc., having at least one multilayer security element which has at least one visually testable optical effect, the security element being arranged at least partially on the surface of the security paper. The invention also relates to a multilayer security element as well as a value document with such a security element. The invention also provides a transfer material for applying a multilayer security element to a value document and a method for producing the transfer material or the value document.

There is a constant interest in protecting securities against counterfeiting and unauthorized reproduction. Particularly with regard to today's copying and printing techniques, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find effective safety features that prevent, if not prevent, unauthorized reproduction or falsification.

In the <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP0019191B1"><text>EP 0 019191 B1</text></patcit> It is proposed, for example, to provide a security device with an integrated circuit in which a testable coding is written, the communication with the integrated circuit preferably being effected without contact via antennas. The integrated circuit is thereby inserted into the recess of a at least partially metallized carrier film. This film is then laminated between two paper webs. However, since the carrier film is merely laminated between the two paper webs, there is the danger that the layers can be separated from each other relatively easily so that the plastic cover provided with the chip can be used for possible counterfeits. Furthermore, this safety element is a purely machine-tested safety element, which can only be checked by means of special detectors.

As a very simple, visually verifiable and very noticeable authenticity feature, optically variable security elements, such as, for example, holograms are used which exhibit different visual impressions, such as color impressions or information, at different viewing angles. A securities with such a security element is known from the<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="EP0440045A2"><text>EP 0 440 045 A2</text></patcit> known. Here, a banknote is provided which is provided with a tag-like hologram. Since the optically variable effect of the hologram can not be reproduced by a color copier, these security elements provide very good protection against color copying. However, these safety elements have the disadvantage that they are only very difficult to machine because the radiation reflected by the diffraction structures of the hologram is detected at specific spatial angles and the interference of scattered radiation must be largely excluded in order to be able to reliably detect the presence of a particular hologram. Another problem is the fluctuating signal intensity, since this is strongly dependent on the illumination source of the hologram. For a safe measurement it is therefore necessary to provide for defined light conditions.

In order to circumvent this problem, it has therefore already been proposed to overlay a visually highly visible hologram with a laser-transmission-readable hologram which is readable in a purely machine-readable manner (<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="DE3840037C2"><text>DE 38 40 037 C2</text></patcit>). The read-out of the machine-readable hologram can in this case only take place by means of a laser, wherein the information hidden in this laser transmission hologram is projected to a specific spatial coordinate in front of the value document already determined during the recording of the hologram. At this point the detector must be located in order to recognize this hidden information. However, this type of visual and machine security of a value document is very complex both in production and in the verification.

The <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="WO9954842A"><text>WO 99/54842</text></patcit> Describes a paper substrate having an integrated circuit formed of a semiconducting organic polymer. The use of such a semiconducting organic polymer as a basic material for the integrated circuit makes it possible to produce the substrate directly in the required thickness. Supporting or protective layers can be dispensed with. Furthermore, cost advantages result in comparison to silicon-based integrated circuits.

The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a value document or a security paper with a security element which has a visually testable optical effect and can also be machine-tested, wherein the security paper or value document can be produced as simply and cost-effectively as possible.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

For the purposes of the invention, "security paper" means the uncovered paper, which, in addition to the security element according to the invention, can have further authenticity features such as volume luminescers, a safety thread or the like. It is usually in a virtually endless form and will be processed further at a later stage.

A "document of value" means a document which has been completed for its intended use. This may be, for example, a printed security document, such as a banknote, document or the like, an identification card, a passport or other document which requires a security.

In the following, the invention is described with reference to the safety paper. However, the advantages and embodiments apply analogously to value documents.

According to the invention, the security paper is provided with at least one multilayer security element which has a visual effect which can be tested visually and can not be reproduced or reproduced in a reproducible manner. This security element is at least partially arranged on the surface of the security paper and contains at least one integrated circuit in one of its inner layers. This integrated circuit is, for example, a pure memory chip (ROM), a rewritable chip (EPROM, EEPROM) or also a microprocessor chip. The chips used have a thickness of 5 μm to 50 μm, preferably 10 μm, and an edge length of approximately 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.6 mm. On the chip there are preferably 2 to 4 contact surfaces.

The optical effect of the safety element can be produced by a layer which contains optically variable pigments, in particular interference layer or liquid crystal pigments. This layer may be full-surface or in the form of information. Alternatively, the security element may also have a hologram, kinegram, or other diffraction structure. Preferably, the diffraction structures are thereby embossed in a plastic layer in the form of a relief structure. If the diffraction structures are to be observable in reflection, they are combined with a reflection layer, in particular with a metal layer or a dielectric layer with a high refractive index. However, the reflection layer does not have to be provided over the full area, but can be applied in the form of a grid or any other information. In particular, it may have recesses in the form of patterns or signs. A further possibility for producing a visually testable optical effect is to use thin-film constructions in which metallic and / or dielectric layers with different refractive indices are arranged one above the other, the layers interacting such that at least when viewed in reflection at different viewing angles, different visual impressions As well. These are preferably different color impressions.

Alternatively, however, the optical effect can also be produced by an arbitrary printed image or a metallic layer with recesses in the form of patterns, characters or the like. The metal layer itself may also be in the form of characters or patterns. The use of special printing inks, such as luminescent printing inks, is also possible. It is, of course, also possible to use a plurality of safety features which produce an optical effect. When a layer producing an optical effect is mentioned below, multilayer superstructures, such as the aforementioned dielectric thin film elements or combinations of several layers which produce different optical effects, are also to be understood as the same. The term "hologram" is also used as a substitute for any diffraction structures.

The integrated circuit according to the invention is preferably arranged between these optical effect layer and the security paper. In this way, it is protected from the outside by environmental influences and practically does not appear visually. Advantageously, integrated circuits are used with which the communication takes place without contact via a coupling element. In this case, the coupling element can already be an integrated component of the integrated circuit or be arranged in a layer of the safety element. When the coupling element is integrated into the layer structure of the safety element, the advantage is obtained that the circuit can not be functionally separated from an original security element or a security paper equipped therewith in the case of tampering or counterfeiting attempts, for example to introduce it into a counterfeit reproduction. The coupling element can be a grinding dipole, a coil or an open dipole. In order to increase the effectiveness of the system, the grinding dipole or coil may also have a metallized core zone. If the coupling element is formed in the layer producing the optical effect, the filled core zone also causes the visual impression of the layer to be less disturbed by the coupling element. Depending on the type of the coupling element and the selected read / write frequency, for example 13.56 Mhz and 2 Ghz, the reading range is between approximately 0.1 mm to a few cm.

The security element according to the invention is preferably applied to the security paper after the paper has been produced and is connected to the security paper in such a way that it can not be removed again without destroying the security paper or the security element. The invention thus has the advantage that the security element does not have to be integrated into the paper-making process, and is nevertheless tamper-proof with the security. A further advantage is that the security element is protected against counterfeiting in several respects. The optical effect of the layers facing the viewer can not be faithfully reproduced by means of copying devices or other reproduction techniques so that such forgery attempts can already be detected visually simply and quickly.

If, however, the optical impression of the safety element should be able to be imitated or mimicked, the falsification can still be detected during the mechanical inspection of the integrated circuit. Since this is arranged inside the safety element and is concealed by the optical effect-producing layers, a potential counterfeiter will not notice this additional authenticity feature and therefore will not try to imitate.

The security element according to the invention is preferably designed as a multi-layered self-supporting label or as a transfer element which is connected to the security paper after its production. The outline shape of the safety element is freely selectable. Alternatively, the safety element can also be designed as a safety thread. In this case, the integrated circuit and the layer producing the optical effect are arranged on a thread-shaped plastic substrate, which is introduced into the paper web during paper manufacture in such a way that the thread passes directly into the surface of the security paper in some areas. According to a preferred embodiment, the safety thread consists of two plastic substrates, between which the integrated circuit and the optical effect-producing layer are arranged.

A "security element" in the sense of the invention is a security element which is prepared on a separate carrier layer, for example a plastic film, in the reverse order, as it later comes to rest on the security paper, and is subsequently applied by means of an adhesive or lacquer layer in the Desired contour shapes to the security paper. After the transfer, the carrier layer can be peeled off from the layer structure of the safety element or remain as a protective layer on the layer structure as an integral part of the safety element.

The individual transfer elements can be prepared on the carrier layer as separate individual elements in the contour shapes to be transferred. Alternatively, the layer sequence of the transfer elements is provided in continuous form on the carrier layer. Such carrier layers with spaced-apart individual transfer elements or a continuous layer construction are referred to hereinafter as "transfer material" and the layer sequence of the security element arranged on the carrier layer as a "transfer layer".

In the case of the continuous transfer layer, the transfer material is then connected to the security paper via an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is activated by means of corresponding embossing tools so that the transfer layer adheres only to the activated paper in the activated areas. All remaining areas are then subtracted with the carrier layer. Alternatively, the adhesive layer can also be designed in the form of the safety element to be transferred. Hot melt adhesives are preferably used as adhesives. However, any other adhesives, such as reaction lacquers, can also be used.

The security element can alternatively also be applied to the value document. The embodiments and fastening options described in connection with the safety paper are analogous in this case.

In the following, some preferred layer sequences of the security element according to the invention are explained in more detail with the example of the transfer material.

The analogous layer sequence, only in correspondingly reversed layer sequence, is of course also usable for labels and safety threads.

In the simplest form, the transfer material consists of a carrier layer, in particular a transparent plastic film, at least one layer producing the optical effect and at least one integrated circuit. In this embodiment, the integrated circuit also includes the coupling element for the communication with a read / write device.

If an integrated circuit is used which does not have an integrated coupling element, a corresponding coupling element must be provided in the layer structure of the transfer layer of the transfer material. The transmission layer with the integrated coupling element is preferably designed as a thin, non-self-supporting film. Thereby, counterfeiting attempts aimed at detaching the original security member from a security paper are thwarted because the non-self-supporting security member is not removable without damaging it.

This coupling element can be an open dipole, a grinding dipole or else a coil. This coupling element is preferably produced by appropriate demetallization in a metal layer. For this purpose, the carrier layer of the transfer material, which is optionally provided with a separating layer, is provided with the optical effect-producing layer. Subsequently, a water-soluble or another solvent-soluble layer is printed on this layer in the form of the regions to be demetallized. In the next step, the carrier layer is completely metallized on the printed side. In a last step, the soluble printing ink as well as the metallization present in these areas are removed. On this layer, the integrated circuit is fixed by means of a conductive adhesive layer, such as, for example, conductive silver or an anisotropic conductive adhesive. Finally, the carrier layer is provided at least in some areas with an adhesive layer.

Alternatively, the structuring of the metal layer can also be carried out by means of known etching techniques. In this case, the carrier layer is provided directly with the full-area metallization after the application of the layer producing the optical effect. The metal layer is then printed with a protective lacquer layer in the form of the desired coupling element. The uncovered areas are then removed with appropriate solvents. The protective layer can also be produced phototechnically by coating the metal layer over a full area with a photoresist, which is subsequently exposed and developed.

According to a variant, the metallic layer forming the coupling element can be separated from the optical effect-producing layer by an insulating layer. This is particularly necessary when the optical effect-producing layer also has a conductive layer.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, however, it is also possible that the metallic layer is simultaneously required for the visual optical effect. If, for example, a reflection hologram is used, the layer producing the optical effect usually consists of an embossing lacquer layer, into which the diffraction structures of the hologram are impressed in the form of a relief structure, and a metal layer. The carrier layer of the transfer material is first provided with the embossing lacquer layer, into which the diffraction structures are impressed. Subsequently, this lacquer layer is provided with a metal layer. However, before the metal layer is preferably vaporized, as already explained, a soluble color is printed for the generation of the coupling element. After the metallization, the soluble color is removed and, as already described, the integrated circuit is applied. Here too, the already mentioned etching techniques for structuring the metal layer can alternatively be used.

In this embodiment, the coupling element is visually recognizable when the embossing lacquer layer which forms the outermost layer facing the observer is transparent in the finished safety element. If this effect is undesirable, the embossing lacquer layer can be colored. Metallic pigments are preferably used for this purpose. Alternatively, the security element or the security paper is laminated or imprinted with a film which masks the optical impression of the coupling element.

This variant has the additional advantage that the layers of the safety element providing the optical effect are inseparably connected to the machine-testable integrated circuit. Manipulations to the layers producing the optical effect thus also affect the machine-readable module simultaneously.

The coupling element consists of a correspondingly shaped metal layer. According to a variant which is not an object of the invention, it can also be formed by a conductive polymer layer, which is, for example, printed accordingly.

In all embodiments, the connection between the coupling element and the chip is effected either via electrically conductive connecting elements, such as conductive adhesives, solder tin, etc., or contactless, eg capacitively.

In order to prevent a manipulation by punching out a circuit including the coupling element from a safety element or a security paper provided therewith, the coupling element is preferably designed with a large area. Already from an area of ​​20 mm occupied by the coupling element² Or larger, the resulting punch holes would also be very noticeable visually for laymen

The security paper provided with the security elements according to the invention can subsequently be processed to any value document. If, for example, banknotes are produced from the security paper, the security paper is usually cut into sheets with a plurality of useful items, which can subsequently be processed in corresponding printing machines. In this respect, each utility has at least one security element according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the safety element is formed as a strip which runs parallel to one of the edges of a utility. This has the advantage that the security element can be transferred to the security paper in a continuous process.

In the printing process, the region of the security element can at least partially be overpressed, as a result of which the counterfeit security of the document of value is further increased, in particular when a tactile tactile steel low pressure is used for the overpressure. However, the security paper according to the invention can also be used for the production of other securities such as passports, shares, visas, identification cards, certificates, admission tickets, transport documents, security labels or checks, etc. The value documents can, in turn, be secured as anti-counterfeiting elements on any products, such as CD's, perfumes, pharmaceutical products, all kinds of packaging.

The security against counterfeiting of the value document according to the invention can be further increased by verifiably storing certain data relevant to the value document in the integrated circuit. For example, the history of the use of the value document can be stored in the integrated circuit. In the case of banknotes, for example, information about their output and their further CV can be stored, thus enabling a hitherto hardly possible evaluation of the circulating behavior of the banknotes. It is also conceivable to store information on the circulating capacity or non-circulating capability of banknotes.

It is also possible to mark or block value documents for specific applications. Particularly advantageous possibilities could open up such a marking in dealing with extortion money.

In a particular embodiment, the integrated circuit of the safety element can additionally be equipped with or connected to a light-sensitive sensor, which is also contained in the security paper or in the security element and detects, for example, light incidence, heat, magnetism and other properties. The measured values ​​of such sensors are communicated to the integrated circuit and stored there. In this way, for example, each copying operation of a document can be registered as a light incidence and the number of copying operations can be stored in the integrated circuit. This offers the advantage of distinguishing between legal and illegal copies. When carrying out a legal copy, the user is aware that a corresponding sensor is present in the security paper so that it can subsequently delete the information on the legal reproduction which has been carried out with a device available to it. However, an illegal duplication is not deleted. If the corresponding memory of the integrated circuit has an entry before each copying process, further copies can be prevented. This procedure is particularly suitable for documents which are usually sealed in a sealed manner.

Alternatively, identification numbers of the individual copying devices can also be stored in the integrated circuit. This opens up the possibility that at a later stage all devices used for the production of copies can be identified. This can be useful in identifying counterfeiters. Finally, copying machines can also be equipped with corresponding reading devices, which prevent a copying operation of the value document when a corresponding marking from the integrated circuit is read out.

The integrated circuit may also be used to store a kind of electronic stamp of an issuing authority. This is particularly beneficial for visas or passports. For this purpose, it is useful to provide each value document with individual information. These can be simple random numbers or even more complex information, in which features specific to the document, such as special pressure tolerances, transmission properties of the paper or other, can be processed. This information may also be cryptographically encrypted.

However, the integrated circuit can also serve to secure the legible information provided on the value document. For example, if an identification information, such as a number and an indication of the issuer, is entered on a value document, the corresponding information can also be stored in the integrated circuit. This information is preferably stored in encrypted form, which can only be identified with the matching counter-key. When the value document is checked, the information contained in the integrated circuit is compared with the information actually available on the document.

If the communication with the integrated circuit is effected without contact, the handling of such documents becomes relatively simple and can, for example, be used in the case of goods deliveries, border crossings and other processes in which goods flows are handled together with documents in order to carry out an almost complete check Of the invention.

If a microprocessor is used as an integrated circuit, encrypted information can also be generated and transmitted to a read / write device in the integrated circuit of the security paper or value document by means of corresponding cryptographic methods. Any other programs or multifunctional structures can also be used. In this connection, the already known techniques from the data processing or from the field of chip card technology can be used.

Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained with reference to the figures. It is to be noted that the figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent true-to-scale reproduction of the invention.

Show it:<ul><li><figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> A value document according to the invention,</li><li><figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref>, <figref idrefs="f0002">4</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> Various embodiments of the transfer material according to the invention in the cross-</li><li><figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> A variant of a transfer material in cross-section which is not the subject of the invention,</li><li><figref idrefs="f0004">6a) to 6e</figref>) Various embodiments for the coupling element according to the invention.</li></ul>

<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> 12 shows a variant of the value document according to the invention in plan view. In the example shown, it is a bank note 1, which was produced from the security paper according to the invention. The banknotes carry a security element 2 according to the invention which is designed as a transfer element and has been applied using the transfer material to be explained in more detail below. The bank notes 1 can have additional security elements, such as a safety thread 3, for example. This safety thread 3 is virtually woven into the paper as a so-called "window safety thread", so that it comes into the surface of the banknotes in certain regions 4.

The <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref>, <figref idrefs="f0002">4</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> Show various embodiments of the transfer material 10 according to the invention. The transfer material 10 basically consists of a carrier layer 5 and a transfer layer 6 which is at least partially transferred to the value document according to the invention. In the case of the<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> , The transfer layer 6 is detached, for example in the form of a square, from the carrier layer 5. The carrier layer 5 may be provided with a separating layer in order to ensure a defined detachment of the transfer layer. This separating layer is not shown in the figures. Of course, any other outline shapes up to delicate structures such as guilloches etc. are also possible. Frequently, the safety elements 2 are also formed in the form of strips, which are arranged parallel to the safety thread 3.

In the <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Is composed of an optical effect producing layer 7, the integrated circuit 8, and an adhesive layer 9. Since the integrated circuit 8 already has an integrated coupling element, no further layers are to be provided for the communication with the integrated circuit in the layer structure of the transmission layer 6 . The screen 7 producing the optical effect is therefore freely selectable. Preferably, however, it is at least opaque in the region of the integrated circuit 8 so that the integrated circuit 8 is not visible visually.

The layer 7 which produces the optical effect is shown here over the entire area and can in turn be composed of several layers. This is, for example, the case when it is a thin-layer element, which can be composed of a plurality of dielectric layers with different refractive indices and thin metal layers. Such a layer construction produces an angle-dependent color change play.

The layer 7 can also be any other layer which produces an optical effect, such as, for example, a printing layer which contains special pigments which produce an optically variable effect. For this purpose, liquid crystal pigments or else other pigments which take advantage of interfering effects, such as, for example, IRIODINE^® Of Merck.

The adhesive layer 9 serves to secure the security element 2 on the value document. This is preferably a hot-melt adhesive layer, which is activated by means of appropriately shaped hot-stamping stamps. However, the adhesive layer 9 can also be provided only in some areas in order to define the shape of the transfer elements to be transferred already on the transfer material. According to a further embodiment, it can also be completely absent. In this case, the adhesive layer is applied in the desired form to the substrate which is to be provided with a transfer element.

This in <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> Which is not an object of the invention, is provided with an integrated circuit which does not have an integrated coupling element. The transfer layer 6 therefore contains a metal layer 11 in addition to the layer 7 which produces an optical effect over the entire surface. The metal layer 11 is applied in the form of a grinding dipole as described in<figref idrefs="f0004">6a</figref>) And forms the coupling element for the integrated circuit 8. The connection between the terminals of the looped dipole 11 and the contact surfaces of the integrated circuit is effected via a conductive adhesive layer 12.

In the <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> , Has a hologram, which consists of a pre-layer 13 and a metal layer 14. The metal layer 14 ensures that the reflection-like diffraction structures of the hologram can be observed in reflection. However, the metal layer 14 has gaps 19. The gaps 19 are designed in such a way that the coupling element 11 for the integrated circuit 8 is produced. As in<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> The coupling element is formed by a grinding dipole, which is isolated from the remaining metal layer 14 by the gaps 19.

In this example, the metal layer 14 is at the same time part of the optical effect-producing layer 7 as well as of the integrated circuit 8. However, the coupling element 11 can be clearly seen in the top view when the pre-layer 13 is made transparent. If this effect is not desired, the pre-layer 13 can be dyed with translucent colors. The use of non-conductive, metallic pigments which obscure the optical impression of the coupling element 12 is also conceivable.

In the <figref idrefs="f0003">FIG</figref> Shown in FIG. 6 also shows a hologram which is combined with an integrated circuit. In the present case, the reflection layer 14 of the diffraction structure does not simultaneously serve as a communication layer for the integrated circuit. Rather, the metal layer is separated from the metal layer 17 comprising the coupling element by an insulation layer. Nevertheless, the metal layer 14 has recesses 16 in the form of characters or patterns which are at least readily readable by transmitted light. These recesses form a further visual authenticity feature.

The metal layer 17 containing the coupling element 11 is analogous to the metal layer 17 shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> Is constructed. That is, it has gaps 19 which isolate the coupling element 11 from the rest of the metal layer.

The recesses 16 or the gaps 19 in the respective metal layers 14, 17 can be produced in different ways. For example, the metal layers can be vaporized directly onto the respective layer 13 or 15, respectively, by way of appropriate masks in the desired form. Alternatively, in a first step, the metal layers can also be produced as full-area metal layers, which are subsequently covered with a protective layer in the desired areas. The uncovered free areas are then removed using appropriate solvents. These removed areas correspond to the recesses 16 or gaps 19.

However, a method is preferably used in which, in a first step, the layer 13 or 15 is printed in the regions 16 or 19 with a preferably water-soluble printing ink. Subsequently a full-surface metallization is applied by vacuum vapor deposition. In a last step, the soluble paint and the metal layer arranged above it are removed with a corresponding solvent so that the recesses 16 or gaps 19 are formed. It is also possible to use a different method for the generation of the recesses 16 than for the generation of the gaps 19.

The same methods can of course also be used for the generation of the coupling element 11, as shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> Can be used.

In <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref> Various embodiments of the coupling element are shown. Shown in each case is exclusively the coupling element, as described, for example, in FIG<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> is used. An illustration of possible further metallic environments as shown in FIG<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> Was omitted for reasons of clarity.

<figref idrefs="f0004">6a</figref>) Shows a grinding dipole which, as shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG. 6b</figref>) May additionally be provided with a metallic core to increase the performance of the system. Alternatively, the coupling element can also be designed as a coil with a corresponding number of windings or with a metallic core, as shown in FIGS<figref idrefs="f0004">6c) and 6d</figref>). A further capacitively accessible variant is shown in FIG<figref idrefs="f0004">6e</figref>). The two metallic bars act here as an open dipole. These forms of coupling elements can be used essentially in all the embodiments shown and described, wherein in the embodiment according to FIG<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> Only a grinding dipole or a coil is used.

As already explained, these coupling elements are represented by a corresponding metallization or demetallization. According to a variant which is not the subject of the invention, however, they can also be produced by means of conductive polymers by printing.

The <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003">FIGS. 2 to 5</figref> Can be transferred analogously to a safety thread. In this case, the carrier layer 5 is replaced by a plastic film which is non-detachably connected to the layer structure arranged thereon. The layer structure here corresponds to the illustrated transfer position 6. This safety thread can be designed analogously to the embodiment shown in FIG<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Can be woven into the security paper. Alternatively, however, the security thread can also be arranged completely on the surface of the security paper or value document. For this purpose, the surface of the plastic carrier lying opposite the layer structure is coated with a corresponding adhesive. Similarly, it is possible to manufacture the safety element as a self-supporting adhesive label with any desired shape