An improved copy-proof document is disclosed having a cancellation phrase and a background pattern each printed of a plurality of elements of a geometric shape having one or more smaller uncovered areas within said geometrically shaped element.

An improved copy-proof document is disclosed having a cancellation phrase with an alternating dot pattern which enhances both the detail rendition and protection of such documents. The method of making such a document by preprinting the cancellation phrase in a single tone pattern of alternating dot sizes is also disclosed.

The invention relates to a document of value consisting of a substrate of predetermined surface area with a printed image visible to the naked eye and a marking in the form of characters, patterns or the like at least partly superimposed on the printed image. The marking is represented by a feature substance having at least one mechanically detectable physical property and extends over the predominant part of the surface of the document. The marking additionally has a given measurable regularity which makes it possible, by mechanical scanning of the marking, to detect the correctness of the distribution and recognize gaps or added partial elements of other authentic documents as disturbances.

A method for producing a validation mark on security paper includes printing the mark on the paper using an ink that has the same color as the paper but which has more uniform directional reflectance than the sheet of paper. That is, the dried ink is a more uniform diffuse reflector than is the paper. When the mark is illuminated by a light source located on one side of the mark, the mark appears lighter than the paper around it when viewed from the same side as the light source, but the mark appears darker than the paper around it when viewed from the side opposite the light source. An exemplary formulation is given.

A method and apparatus for enhancing the security of a check or negotiable document and deterring the generation of copies of the check or negotiable document. The signature area of a document is imprinted with a pantographic background design different from a pantographic background design covering the remainder of the face of a check. A warning clause describes the color and/or background of the signature area. The endorsement area of a document is also imprinted with a pantographic background design. A warning clause describes the color and/or background of the endorsement area. The endorsement area background may further include a representation of the watermark certification seal to aid an individual in more quickly determining whether the proper watermark seal exist on the check or negotiable document.