Molecular sensors for product authentication

Method and systems for assessing the authenticity of a candidate product compare molecular sensor generated spectrum data for the candidate product with spectrum data for the identified product. A method includes receiving data identifying a product and spectrum data generated by scanning the one or more locations of the candidate product with a molecular sensor that emits electromagnetic radiation onto the candidate product and includes a spectrometer to generate the received spectrum data for resulting electromagnetic radiation reflections from the candidate product. The received spectrum data is compared with spectrum data for the identified product. The candidate product is classified as authenticated or non-authenticated based on the results of the comparison between the received spectrum data for the candidate product and the spectrum data for the identified product.