ATBECHDEDKESFRGBGRITLILUNLSEMCPTIESILTLVFIROMKCYALTR............................JDIM350 (Ver 2.1 Jan 2001) 1620000/01281538EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATIONA320040128EP02012684.32002060720020607EnEnEn0111489520010702EP20040128200405200302052003067 7B 42D 15/10 AdeOptisch variable MarkierungenOptically variable markingfrMarquage optiquement variableMERCK PATENT GmbH00205224101C001-DENKFrankfurter Strasse 25064293 DarmstadtDEKuntz, Matthias, Dr.Im Berggarten 1664342 Seeheim-JugenheimDEDelp, ReinerKasinostrasse 1264293 DarmstadtDERiddle, Rodney164 Victoria RoadParkstone, Poole, Dorset BH12 3AGGBPatrick, John2 Sandford RoadWareham, Dorset BH20 4DHGBHammond-Smith, RobertTripps End, North End, DamerhamFordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 3HAGBATBECHCYDEDKESFIFRGBGRIEITLILUMCNLPTSETRALLTLVMKROSI20040128200405

The invention relates to an optically variable marking comprising a semiopaque substrate with a first surface that is covered with an optically variable layer that is for example a liquid crystal polymer layer or a layer comprising pearlescent pigments, and a second surface that is partially covered with a metal layer in the shape of a pattern, to methods of its preparation and to its use for decorative or security applications.