The relationship between the two companies dates back to the mid-1990s.

A five-year renewal just signed extends the relationship to 2029.

De La Rue supplies Microsoft with authentication solutions – including physical and digital technologies – for its OEM, retail and Xbox businesses.

Dave Sharratt, managing director at De La Rue’s Authentication wing, commented: “We are delighted to extend our decades-long relationship with Microsoft once again, and I am grateful for the trust that they put in De La Rue. 

“This contract extension is another example of how we have been successfully building De La Rue's Authentication division to drive substantial long-term growth, as we continue to deliver the most secure and technologically advanced products and services to our customers.”

Microsoft deploys a variety of security features on its products to help separate genuine products from forgeries. It regularly changes the techniques and labels used across different world markets.

For example, the Certificates of Authenticity (COA) label used on the outside of Microsoft’s retail boxed software explains what the product is, its country of intended use and country of origin.

The label’s anti-counterfeit security elements include holographic and colour-shifting features.

Microsoft also uses holograms on DVDs and USB drives, and just last month introduced a new holographic feature on its USBs.

It has a section on its website explaining how to tell if a product is genuine.

De La Rue has just completed its financial year. 

In the year to 25 March 2023 it had overall sales of £349.7m, with Authentication up 1.6% with sales of £91.7m.