Further information: Serial numbers identify otherwise identical individual units with many, obvious uses. Serial numbers are a deterrent against theft and counterfeit products, as they can be recorded, and stolen or otherwise irregular goods can be identified. And other transferable documents of value bear serial numbers to assist in preventing and tracing stolen ones.

1. V5 Registration Document Serial Number

V5 Registration Document Serial Number

They are valuable in, as once a defect is found in the production of a particular batch of product, the serial number will identify which units are affected. Serial numbers for intangibles [ ] Serial numbers may be used to identify individual physical or intangible objects (e.g., or the right to play an online multiplayer game). The purpose and application is different. A software serial number, otherwise called product key, is usually not embedded in the software, but is assigned to a specific user with a right to use the software. The software will function only if a potential user enters a valid product code. The vast majority of possible codes are rejected by the software. If an unauthorised user is found to be using the software, the legitimate user can be identified from the code.