# How Tamper-Proof Labels That Break Into Pieces Work > A simple security sticker designed to break into tiny, unrecoverable pieces if someone tries to peel it off, making it impossible to hide or alter sensitive information. - **Patent:** US 5013088 - **Original title:** Disintegratable masking label - **Owner:** Data Tech Services Inc - **Granted:** 1991 - **Status:** Public domain (expired) - **Times cited:** 23 - **Field:** mechanical, consumer_electronics ## What it does The patent describes a label made of opaque paper with a special adhesive that sticks to documents. The key feature is a series of pre-cut patterns, specifically radial cuts or interlocking rings, that weaken the label's structure. When someone attempts to peel the label off the document, these cuts ensure the label tears into small, unusable fragments rather than coming off in one piece. This leaves clear evidence that the label was tampered with, while the underlying document remains intact. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover labels that use chemical color-changing reactions to show tampering. - Does not cover labels that leave a 'VOID' pattern on the surface when removed. - Does not cover labels made of non-paper materials like plastic or metallic foils. - Does not cover adhesive systems that require heat or light to activate or deactivate. ## The clever bit The invention turns the label's own structural integrity against itself; by adding specific geometric cuts, the label is engineered to fail predictably under the stress of removal. ## Real-world examples 1. Security masking labels on sensitive legal documents 2. Tamper-evident seals on private medical records 3. Redaction stickers used in document processing ## Why it matters This patent addressed the need for low-cost security in physical document management, such as masking sensitive data on forms or checks. It provided a mechanical, rather than chemical, way to ensure that any attempt to uncover hidden information would be immediately visible to the naked eye. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How Tamper-Proof Labels That Break Into Pieces Work cover? A simple security sticker designed to break into tiny, unrecoverable pieces if someone tries to peel it off, making it impossible to hide or alter sensitive information. ### Who owns patent US 5013088? Data Tech Services Inc owns this patent, granted in 1991. ### When does this patent expire? This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely. ### What is patent US 5013088 cited by? This patent has been cited by 23 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This patent addressed the need for low-cost security in physical document management, such as masking sensitive data on forms or checks. It provided a mechanical, rather than chemical, way to ensure that any attempt to uncover hidden information would be immediately visible to the naked eye. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover labels that use chemical color-changing reactions to show tampering. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5013088/disintegratable-masking-label **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US5013088 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Digital Images Hide Invisible Markers to Track Rotation and Scaling](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6567533/playstation-2-emotion-engine) — A method for hiding invisible patterns in digital images that allow computers to detect if an image has been rotated or resized, even if the original version is missing. - [How Richard Drew Invented Modern Transparent Adhesive Tape](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1760820/scotch-tape-adhesive-drew) — The 1930 patent for the first pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, which replaced messy glues and paper tapes with a convenient, clear, and sticky strip. - [How Polaroid's Instant Film Pods Work](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2543181/polaroid-instant-camera) — A 1951 invention by Edwin Land that enabled instant photography by packaging liquid developer inside a breakable pod attached to the film sheet. - [The Sticky Microscopic Beads Behind Post-it Notes](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4166152/post-it-note-adhesive) — 3M's 1977 patent on tiny, naturally sticky plastic beads that can stick to a surface, peel off easily without leaving residue, and be reused over and over again. - [Sticky, Tiny Plastic Balls Made from Acrylates](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3691140/post-it-repositionable-adhesive) — This 1972 patent describes how to make tiny, sticky, and durable plastic balls (microspheres) using a specific mix of acrylate chemicals and a special water-based process.