Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus, a computer-implemented method, and a computer program product for branding a quick response code onto a surface. Aspects of the invention include a branding device having a plurality of thermoelectric devices on a substrate. Each of the thermoelectric devices is arranged on the substrate as a single bit in a quick response pattern. Each of the thermoelectric devices includes an n-type thermoelectric element electrically coupled to a p-type thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric elements can be individually heated or cooled using the Peltier effect.