1. What is T.R.A.C.E.? T.R.A.C.E. (Tokenized Records for Artifacts Certification & Evolution) is a technology that uses blockchain to create secure, digital certificates of authenticity (dCOAs) for physical artworks.
2. How does T.R.A.C.E. work? T.R.A.C.E. chips are embedded in physical artworks, creating a digital certificate that records the art’s authenticity and provenance on the blockchain.
3. What is a digital Certificate of Authenticity (dCOA)? A dCOA is a tamper-proof, blockchain-backed certificate that verifies the authenticity and provenance of an artwork.
4. How do I purchase a T.R.A.C.E. chip? You can purchase T.R.A.C.E. chips from our store on the Transient Labs website.
5. How do I embed a T.R.A.C.E. chip in my artwork? The T.R.A.C.E. chip can be discreetly embedded in the frame or backing of your artwork. Detailed instructions are provided with your T.R.A.C.E. purchase.
6. How do I mint a dCOA in The Lab? Log into The Lab, deploy your T.R.A.C.E. contract, create your first TRACE dCOA, and follow the prompts to link it to your T.R.A.C.E. chip and mint. Learn more here.
7. Can I update the information on the dCOA after it's minted? No, once a dCOA is minted, the data is immutable and cannot be altered, ensuring its integrity and security.
8. How do collectors verify the authenticity of an artwork? Collectors can use an NFC-enabled smartphone to tap the T.R.A.C.E. chip, instantly verifying the artwork’s authenticity and provenance.
9. What information is recorded on the blockchain? The artist and registered agents can use the T.R.A.C.E. record schema to record TRACE Authentication, Creation Date, Freeform Content, Media, Sales, Trades, Transfers, Exhibitions, Alternations, Legal, Appraisals, and Third-Party Authentication, providing complete provenance.
10. Is the T.R.A.C.E. chip visible on the artwork? The T.R.A.C.E. chip is designed to be discreet and can be hidden in the frame or backing, ensuring it does not affect the artwork’s aesthetics. The placement is entirely up to the artist.
11. Who can add records to a T.R.A.C.E. dCOA? The creator (artist) and registered agents can add records to a T.R.A.C.E. digital Certificate of Authenticity (dCOA). These parties are authorized to ensure the comprehensive documentation of the artwork's provenance, authenticity, and history.
12. Can T.R.A.C.E. be used for any artwork? Yes, T.R.A.C.E. can be used for various physical artworks, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, limited-edition prints, and more.
13. What if the T.R.A.C.E. chip gets damaged? If a T.R.A.C.E. chip gets damaged, please get in touch with our support team for assistance with transferring the dCOA to a new chip.
14. Can T.R.A.C.E. be used for digital art? T.R.A.C.E. is designed explicitly for physical artworks; the actual T.R.A.C.E dCOA cannot be transferred, listed, or sold. We recommend minting a separate 1/1 on a separate contract for digital twins.
15. Is there a subscription fee for using T.R.A.C.E.? There is no subscription fee for using T.R.A.C.E., but each chip has a one-time purchase cost.
16. How does T.R.A.C.E. integrate with exhibitions and auctions? The artist or registered agent can use T.R.A.C.E. to verify and record exhibition history and auction sales, providing a complete provenance for each artwork.
17. Can I set up a T.R.A.C.E. chip remotely? Yes, if you are working with a third party, such as a print shop, gallery, or auction house, you can ship the chips directly to them and set them up remotely. You can learn more here.
18. Can I set up my T.R.A.C.E. chip with my phone? No, we recommend using a desktop computer for any Lab activities, including deploying and minting your T.R.A.C.E. dCOAs.
19. What blockchains does T.R.A.C.E. support? T.R.A.C.E. supports Base and Arbitrum blockchains, providing a robust and secure infrastructure for recording the authenticity and provenance of artworks.
20. Who can I contact for support with T.R.A.C.E.? Please email our customer service team at [email protected] or via Intercom for any questions or support needs.