Mike Tomlinson wrote:
In article , Jethro_uk
writes

I wonder if there are any pieces of electronic kit which have a useless
component soldered in isolation somewhere, just to be able to snare
counterfeits ?

Not quite the same thing, but:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alichimp/2511265142/

There are also stories of other things like trademarks being etched into
chips to try and prevent forgeries, or maybe they were just the chip
designer showing off...

--
Tciao for Now!

John.