LA Kings Launch Augmented Reality and Blockchain Authentication App
LOS ANGELES (February 20, 2019) – The Los Angeles Kings have launched the first Augmented Reality (AR) Blockchain authentication platform in the world specifically developed to help secure professional sports merchandise and memorabilia, the club announced today.
In partnership with Pro Exp Media Inc., the Kings’ AR Authentication App is simple and easy to use while assuring LA Kings Game-Used Merchandise customers the items they purchase are authentic – either directly from the Kings or from other sources – while also including unique and exclusive video messages from Kings personnel including Kings President and Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille.
LA Kings Game-Used Merchandise and Team LA work together to sell jerseys, helmets, sticks, skates, gloves, goal scored pucks and additional authentic collectibles both online at lakingsgameused.com and at the Team LA store inside STAPLES Center during Kings home games.
Upon purchase each customer receives a hard-copy Certificate of Authenticity (COA). With the launch of the Kings’ AR Authentication App customers will still receive the hard copy COA. Once they download the AR Authentication App, customers only need to verify their identity through the App. Once their identity has been verified, they can then point their smartphone at the COA sticker on either the certificate or the merchandise. The App, which was recently featured on Fox Business Network’s Varney and Co., is then capable of discerning an authentic piece of registered game used merchandise versus a non-authentic or unregistered (stolen) piece of game used merchandise utilizing AR technology and Blockchain technology.
If the piece of merchandise is authentic, it will play the message from Robitaille or Kings Head Equipment Manager Darren Granger. If it doesn’t play the video, it is either not authentic or it is an unregistered product.
Existing LA Kings Game-Used Merchandise customers who choose to sell or gift their LA Kings Game Used Merchandise can easily transfer their ownership though the app. The transfer of ownership is simple and convenient for customers while maintaining the integrity of the ownership blockchain.
Blockchain is used to ensure the integrity and safety of ownership data. AR is used to authenticate the physical goods. The app consists of a multi-factor authentication system. If only one out of the many factors do no authenticate, the system will not verify the authenticity of the product. In short, the app provides piece of mind and protects Kings fans while assuring the items they purchased are authentic, either directly from the Kings or from other sources.
“The LA Kings pride ourselves on innovation and a drive to be first in-market as it relates to our digital strategy,” said Jonathan Lowe, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Brand Strategy. “This utilization of AR and Blockchain in the sports memorabilia realm is truly a first of its kind but – more importantly – also adds extra layers of authentication and security to the many fans who have become customers of our Game-Used product.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the LA Kings and their Game Used Merchandise Program,” said Norm Lai, CEO and Co-Founder of Pro Exp Media Inc. “Pro Exp’s AR (augmented reality) Authentication platform will assure LA Kings fans the products they purchase are genuine and authentic. Our innovative platform utilizes AR and Blockchain that is able to authenticate and protect every purchase of LA Kings Game Used Merchandise in the primary and secondary markets.”
The LA Kings Game Used App is now available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
About Pro Exp Media Inc.
Pro Exp Media Inc. is an immersive technology company specializing in 2D augmented reality (AR) and merchandise authentication for professional sports and entertainment companies, consumer brands and other organizations. Pro Exp’s blypIT platform is capable of delivering rich media streaming content at lightning speeds bringing static content to life. Pro Exp’s platform provides content streaming via AR, built-in gamification through scavenger hunts and a rewards system for partner promotions. Pro Exp’s AR Blockchain authentication platform, ARthentix, protects consumer purchases against counterfeit and stolen goods while protecting brand integrity. For more information visit www.proexp.net.