Which Mesopotamian innovation served as ancient 'brand protection' by allowing merchants to mark clay tablets with unique identifying impressions that couldn't be easily counterfeited?

Long before modern logos and trademarks, ancient civilizations developed sophisticated systems to mark ownership, authenticate goods, and establish brand identity. Mesopotamian cylinder seals served as one of history's earliest branding tools, allowing merchants and officials to stamp their unique marks on clay tablets and trade goods. These intricate carved cylinders represented not just individual identity, but often carried information about product quality, origin, and authorized distribution—concepts remarkably similar to modern brand management.

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Cylinder seals carved from stone or metal that created distinctive impressions when rolled across wet clay
Cuneiform stamps made from fired clay that were pressed onto merchandise tags
Royal signature medallions cast in bronze and attached to luxury goods with silk cords
Temple authentication scrolls inscribed by priests and sealed with colored wax