Costco magazine's April issue embeds digital watermarks in articles, ads

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Starting this month, the more than 8.6 million readers of Costco Wholesale's member magazine will be able to use smartphones and tablets to scan more than 50 digital watermarks included in articles and ads.

Digimarc announced a deal with Costco whereby the club retailer is using the Digimarc Discover Intuitive Computing Platform, or ICP, to embed transparent digital watermarks in editorial and advertising content in the Costco Connection, starting with the April issue. Scanning the watermarks allows readers to view product information, videos and store information and make purchases after downloading the Digimarc Discover app.

"Many of our members are already browsing the Costco Connection with their mobile phones and tablets sitting nearby," magazine editor and publisher and Costco assistant VP David Fuller said. "With Digimarc's solution, our readers can seamlessly move between our print magazine and our online content without ever having to open a browser and search. This instant connection to more information means our members will be able to more deeply engage with our content much more quickly."

The watermarks also allow connection to additional resources, such as the mobile website, the online edition of the magazine and mobile commerce.