Store and Share Information in QR Codes

Ever wonder what information in QR codes can be stored? QR codes store binary data which means all kinds of information can be stored in a QR code. However, the storage capacity is limited. With an 8-bit encoding, a single QR Code can’t hold more than 3 kB (that’s roughly 384 characters, including spaces) worth of data, so it can only be used to store text-based information such as URLs or contact information unless you’re willing to get really economical with your word usage by using abbreviations like this guy or choosing shorter names for you and your lover and friends etc. To display image galleries, you should use a link to the website that provides the multimedia content.

You can store information in QR codes such as:

• short texts, SMS

• all kinds of URLs and websites (YouTube, Facebook, Homepages)

• contact details (e.g QR code business cards or calling cards)

• dates and calendar entries (iCal)

• telephone numbers

• email messages

• Wi-Fi access credentials

• geo and navigation data

and other more data. But keep in mind that not all QR code scanners can process every type of data.

Are QR codes legally protected? What is the licensing policy?

Denso Wave decided that the technology for QR codes should be shared, and therefore released the QR code specification as an international standard by submitting it to The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for approval. As a result, the company gained patent rights in Japan as is generally required when applying to register international standards. Shortly after, Denso Wave announced that it would not exercise its patent rights while the ISO was considering its proposal. This fact has allowed merchants around the world to make use of QR codes without paying any royalty fees or registering with Denso Wave.

The term “QR code” is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc. across countries like Japan and the United States, as well as several European countries. When using the brand, appropriate notice is needed. however, if the QR code is only used as a pattern/picture/graphic/logo/icon (e.g. by including it on a website or when printed on a business card, brochure, leaflet, etc.) it is not necessary. Here’s some information you might like to take a look at: FAQ of QR code developer Denso Wave.

On the other hand, please be aware that when created by a third party, a QR code image itself may be copyright protected and therefore may incur usage charges or other fees depending on the licensing terms of the QR code generator.