Do Not Duplicate

Who has extra keys to your house or office?

Key control, or more accurately the lack of key control is one of the biggest risks that businesses face. Not having a patented key system leads to unauthorized key duplication, which leads to employee theft. If you can’t control your keys you can’t control your security.
The “Do Not Duplicate” myth:

Standard keys marked with “Do Not Duplicate”, “Do Not Copy”, “Duplication Prohibited”, “It Is Unlawful To Duplicate This Key”, etc. can usually be duplicated at any locksmith or key cutting facility. (The exception is U.S. Post Office Box keys, which are a Federal Offense to duplicate, but those key blanks are not available in the open market.)

In almost all other cases, in most states it is not against the law to duplicate keys marked in this manner. Since the key blanks to fit these locks are commonly available through many sources, the decision to duplicate usually rests in the hands of the key machine operator. Many legitimate locksmiths will refuse the request without first obtaining proper identification, a letter of authorization, etc. Most hardware stores, malls and big box retailers simply ignore the stamped message.

“DO NOT DUPLICATE” is in no way a guarantee that your key will not be copied without your permission!

Most key control systems utilize patented keys and or cylinders, because they are patented, the duplication of keys can only be done by factory authorized professional locksmiths.
The key blanks and lock cylinders are made available only to those same factory authorized professional locksmiths.
The control can be at the locksmith dealer level, at the distributor level, or at the manufacturer level.
All high security key control systems require specific permission to have keys originated or duplicated. This procedure means that the owner will always know who has keys and how many. If an employee leaves and you get the keys back, you can be reasonably assured that no copies of your keys are floating around.