2D barcodes are gaining popularity among key decision makers of U.S. marketers. In recent years, 2D mobile barcode market has witnessed several innovations aimed at utilizing this technology for the best results in brand marketing.

A new technology from SpyderLynk, a leading marketing technology company and creator of a 2D mobile bar code called SnapTag, has recently received a U.S. Patent titled, “Encoding and Decoding Data in an Image.”

The Patent No. 8,094,870 defines a 2D barcode solution that gives marketers “the ability to fully brand SnapTags with logos and or meaningful icons” versus the traditional Rorschach-looking black box QR code that must be scanned with an app to begin a dialogue.

With its meaningful icons, SnapTags turn brand logos into interactive marketing tools.

SpyderLynk’s smart marketing platform allows marketers to deliver highly targeted mobile campaigns and measure results with pinpoint accuracy. Customers can begin interactive dialog with the help of a camera phone. They will not be redirected to a website with QR codes.

“By securing the U.S. patent for SnapTag, our solution is now officially recognized for its unique value and as a key differentiator in the marketplace,” said Nicole Skogg, SpyderLynk founder and CEO, in a statement. “We’re delighted to reach this next step in our business evolution.”

“With the successful patent approval, we will be diligent in defending our technology to protect the investment of all our stakeholders, who’ve been great supporters of our business model and champions of our technology,” Skogg added.

Customers engaging a SnapTag can activate a full scale interactive brand engagement transforming any brand impression anywhere into the opportunity for a brand experience. The mobile bar codes can be used across media platforms to deliver marketing campaigns customized for different consumer segments and across multiple channels.

By integrating SnapTags into marketing materials, marketers can engage consumers in a highly personal, interactive and direct conversational way. With features like Likes and Follows, the platform helps marketers create a sustainable relationship with customers.

Other important features of the mobile 2D barcode solution include better analytics with stickier programs, ability to convert brand marketing to direct marketing relationships, and increased sales conversions by allowing customers to shop and buy directly from advertising.

Scanbuy, a developer of the ScanLife mobile barcode platform, recently revealed the results of a study on the use of 2D barcodes among marketers in the U.S. The study finds that 50 percent of key decision makers of U.S. marketers are using 2D barcodes as a part of their marketing strategy and 86 percent plan to use the technology in the future.

The study pointed out that 69 percent of respondents reported using a paid 2D barcode service, while 39 percent reported using a free service.