Celebrity tattoo artist, tattooing entrepreneur, rock star, and global force, Mario Barth has done more for the tattooing industry and culture than any other person in history.
Mario came up in the Austrian underground in the late 1970’s when tattooing was illegal. He perfected his craft and quickly rose to prominence. Winning over 200 international awards and setting multiple Guinness World Records. Never losing sight of his calling as an artist he became the #1 tattoo artist choice of celebrities. Tattooing the biggest stars in music and Hollywood.
Mario wields the largest portfolio of tattooing interests in the world. He owns and operates shops in Europe and in the United States. Holds the honor of being the first tattoo shop on the Las Vegas Strip and is the Owner/Founder of INTENZE products, proudly the safest and best quality ink on the market.
Today Mario splits his time between Las Vegas, where his corporate headquarters is located, and his hometown of Graz, Austria, where he has become a Austropop superstar performing with his band About Kings to sold out stadiums across Austria and Germany.
INTENZE has just secured a historic patent for REACH-compliant tattoo ink. What does this mean for the tattoo industry?
This patent is a game-changer for the entire tattoo community. For years, tattoo artists across Europe have faced mounting pressure due to increasingly strict REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorizations and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations. These rules were designed to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals, but for tattoo ink manufacturers, compliance has been a massive challenge.
At INTENZE, we dedicated years of research and development to formulating an ink that not only meets but exceeds REACH compliance standards without compromising on performance. This patent represents safety, transparency, and trust. Artists and clients can feel confident knowing they are using an ink that sets a new global benchmark in both quality and safety. It also reinforces the legitimacy and professionalism of tattooing as an art form and a regulated industry.
Why was it important for INTENZE to secure this patent?
Tattooing has come a long way from its underground roots. It’s now a respected global art form practiced by professionals in every corner of the world. With that evolution comes a new level of responsibility, especially around health, safety, and product integrity.
This patent is vital because it protects our proprietary ink formulation and the rigorous manufacturing process behind it. It allows us to safeguard the authenticity and consistency of our product, which is essential in a market increasingly flooded with imitations and subpar alternatives. More importantly, it positions INTENZE as a leader in regulatory compliance, and as a brand that values artist and client safety above all else. The patent also helps us in our ongoing battle against counterfeit inks, which can pose serious health risks and damage the reputation of the entire industry.
How does INTENZE ensure the safety and quality of its ink?
At INTENZE, safety and quality are the foundation of everything we do. We oversee every single aspect of our production process in-house, from sourcing pharmaceutical-grade raw materials to precision pigment milling, formulation, sterilization, and packaging. Nothing is outsourced, which gives us unparalleled control and transparency.
We also implement pharmaceutical-grade sterilization and robust batch tracking systems. Every bottle of INTENZE ink can be traced back to its exact production run, ensuring that artists and clients are always using a verified, safe, and authentic product. These systems are supported by our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22716 certifications, which set the standard for quality management and good manufacturing practices in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Counterfeit tattoo inks have become a major problem. How does INTENZE combat this issue?
Counterfeit ink is a serious and growing threat—both to the health of clients and the reputation of professional tattoo artists. These fake products often contain harmful chemicals, are not sterilized, and come from manufacturers with zero accountability. The consequences can range from serious infections to permanent skin damage, and unfortunately, many artists don’t realize they’re using counterfeit ink until it’s too late.
At INTENZE, we take a zero-tolerance approach to this issue. Because we control 100% of our manufacturing process, we can guarantee the authenticity of every bottle that leaves our facility. We also partner with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to identify and shut down counterfeit operations. Our serialized batch tracking allows artists to verify that their ink is genuine. By choosing INTENZE, artists can protect both their clients and their own reputations.
What sets INTENZE apart from other tattoo ink manufacturers?
There are several things that make INTENZE unique. First, we are artist-founded and artist-owned. I’ve been a tattoo artist for over four decades, and everything we do is based on firsthand knowledge of what artists truly need. Second, we’re the first tattoo ink company to achieve both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22716 certifications. That’s not common in this industry and it speaks volumes about our commitment to product safety and manufacturing excellence.
Third, we’ve been leading the charge when it comes to innovation, compliance, and education. From being pioneers in sterilization and pigment research to setting new standards in REACH compliance, we are driving changes in the industry. Our mission has always been to elevate tattooing as a respected and professional art form, and we’ve built every aspect of INTENZE to reflect that.
How does this patent impact the future of tattooing?
This patent is about the future of the entire tattoo industry. As global regulations continue to evolve, it’s critical that artists have access to tools that are compliant, high-performing, and safe. This patent ensures that we are ahead of the curve, providing artists with ink they can trust in any regulatory environment.
It also adds another layer of legitimacy to tattooing as a professional and responsible art form. With this innovation, we’re sending a clear message: tattooing is not a fringe industry anymore. It’s a global movement rooted in artistry, science, and professionalism and we’re here to protect and support that growth.
What’s next for INTENZE?
We’re just getting started. This patent is a milestone, but it’s far from our final destination. We’ll continue investing in research, advancing our technology, and expanding our educational initiatives for artists. We’re also working on new formulations and product lines that will set even higher benchmarks for performance and safety.
In addition, we’re doubling down on efforts to combat counterfeits and promote transparency across the supply chain. Our vision is to build a future where every tattoo is done with the highest quality ink, under the safest conditions, by artists who are empowered with the best tools possible.
