COPY RESTRICTIVE SYSTEM

A system and associated method for restricting the copying of an image document that contains an image of arbitrary and undetermined character that is formed in or on a document medium having a predetermined pattern of microdots. One embodiment of the system includes a copy machine and associated software that scans for the presence of microdots in an image document and if present prevents the copy machine from making a copy. The microdots are of such a size that they are not visible to the unaided eye, but when machine scanned their presence is sensed.