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Navigating the digital landscape can be tough for marketing managers. You're constantly battling counterfeiters, unauthorized sellers, and digital piracy. These challenges can damage your brand's reputation and bottom line.

Brand protection companies are here to help. They tackle these issues head-on, providing solutions to guard your brand's integrity. In my experience, choosing the right provider can make a world of difference.

In this article, I'll share my top picks of brand protection providers. You'll find unbiased reviews and insights to help you make informed decisions for your team. Let's keep your brand safe and thriving.

Why Trust Our Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing marketing software and services since 2022. As marketing managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. Therefore, invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions.

We have tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different marketing use cases, and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.

Best Brand Protection Companies Reviews

Best for AI-driven threat detection

  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 5/5

Bolster provides AI-powered brand protection services, focusing on detecting and eliminating online threats such as phishing, counterfeit websites, and brand impersonation. They serve businesses across various industries seeking to safeguard their digital presence.

Why I picked Bolster: Bolster’s AI technology enables real-time detection and automated takedowns of fraudulent sites, reducing response times from days to minutes. By integrating machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, Bolster accurately identifies and mitigates threats across domains, social media, and app stores. This comprehensive approach helps protect your brand's reputation and maintain customer trust.

Standout services: Bolster’s domain monitoring and takedown service scans the internet for fake websites and lookalike domains that could deceive your customers, taking swift action to remove them. Their social media monitoring and takedown service detects and eliminates fraudulent profiles and scam posts across major platforms, preventing misuse of your brand on social media.

Target industries: Finance, e-commerce, technology, healthcare, and retail.

Specialties: Phishing protection, counterfeit detection, domain monitoring, social media monitoring, and app store monitoring.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated processes minimize manual intervention
  • User-friendly dashboard for monitoring
  • Comprehensive coverage across digital channels
  • AI-driven approach reduces false positives
  • Fast detection and takedown of threats

Cons:

  • Some services may not be relevant to all industries
  • Limited visibility into takedown process
  • Focus on automation might limit customization
  • May require time to fully integrate with existing systems
  • Pricing information not publicly available

Best for counterfeit detection

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.1/5

BrandMonitor offers brand protection services that include online and offline protection, legal support, and customs enforcement. They cater to industries facing counterfeit challenges, using a global network of mystery shoppers and AI technology to serve businesses worldwide.

Why I picked BrandMonitor: BrandMonitor focuses on counterfeit detection involves utilizing AI algorithms to identify and remove counterfeit listings from e-commerce platforms. With a vast network of mystery shoppers, they ensure thorough market surveillance. Legal services and customs enforcement further enhance your team's ability to combat counterfeit activities.

Standout Services: BrandMonitor offers trademark registration with customs in over 50 countries, ensuring your brand is legally protected against infringements. Their webinars on brand protection strategies provide valuable insights to help your team stay informed about the latest trends and tactics.

Target industries: Fashion, electronics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and automotive.

Specialties: Counterfeit detection, online and offline protection, legal services, customs enforcement, and trademark registration.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Educational webinars available
  • Extensive e-commerce platform coverage
  • Legal support and customs enforcement
  • AI-driven counterfeit detection
  • Global network of mystery shoppers

Cons:

  • Requires ongoing monitoring
  • Focused on specific industries
  • May require customization
  • Limited information on trial details
  • Pricing not transparent

Best for online brand protection

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

BrandShield offers AI-powered online brand protection services, focusing on detecting and eliminating digital threats such as trademark infringements, phishing attempts, brand abuse, and counterfeit activities. They cater to businesses across various industries aiming to safeguard their digital presence and maintain customer trust.

Why I picked BrandShield: Brandshield’s AI-driven technology proactively monitors the digital landscape, identifying and removing counterfeit listings on e-commerce platforms, which helps protect your brand and customers. Additionally, BrandShield's system detects and eliminates phishing campaigns and impersonation attempts, safeguarding your customers from fraud. This approach ensures your brand's reputation and revenue are protected from various online threats.

Standout services: BrandShield’s fake ads protection service blocks advertisements impersonating your brand on search engines and social media, helping maintain your digital presence and customer trust. Their social scam protection service detects and removes fake accounts that impersonate your executives or promote counterfeit products, preserving your brand's reputation across social platforms.

Target industries: Pharmaceuticals, finance, fashion and apparel, retail, and online gaming.

Specialties: Trademark infringement, social media scams, marketplace brand protection, executive impersonation, and anti-counterfeiting.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides detailed reports and statistics
  • User-friendly interface for managing threats
  • Monitors a wide range of digital platforms
  • Dedicated team responds swiftly to threats
  • AI-driven detection enhances threat identification

Cons:

  • Effectiveness depends on accurate AI detection
  • Some services may not be relevant to all industries
  • Focus on automation may limit customization
  • May require integration with existing systems
  • Pricing details not publicly disclosed

Best for invisible anti-counterfeit

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

AlpVision offers anti-counterfeiting solutions using invisible digital technologies to protect products across various industries. They focus on brand protection, packaging and labeling, and document security, serving industries such as pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and spirits. Their main client base includes companies looking to secure their products with easy-to-implement technologies.

Why I picked AlpVision: AlpVision specializes in invisible anti-counterfeit technologies that allow for product verification using standard smartphones. Their solutions don't require changes to production processes, making them cost-effective and simple to implement. The use of machine learning enhances their ability to provide tailored anti-counterfeiting strategies for your team.

Standout services: AlpVision provides packaging and labeling solutions that integrate invisible security features, helping your team protect product integrity without altering existing designs. Their document security services offer advanced protection for sensitive materials, ensuring confidentiality and reducing the risk of forgery.

Target industries: Pharmaceuticals, tobacco, spirits, lubricants, and precious metals.

Specialties: Anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, packaging and labeling, document security, and machine learning.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored anti-counterfeiting strategies
  • Advanced machine learning integration
  • No changes to production processes
  • Uses standard smartphones for verification
  • Easy-to-implement solutions

Cons:

  • May need customization for unique needs
  • Requires collaboration for implementation
  • Focused on specific industries
  • Limited trial information
  • Pricing details not transparent

Best for cyber threat intelligence

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Cyberint specializes in cybersecurity services, focusing on brand protection, threat intelligence, and risk management. They serve business functions like Attack Surface Management and Darkweb Threat Intelligence, catering to industries such as financial services, retail, and healthcare. Their main client base includes CISOs, security analysts, and marketing professionals seeking to protect their brands from cyber threats.

Why I picked Cyberint: Cyberint’s threat intelligence services are designed to provide real-time alerts and actionable insights for cyber threat management. The Argos platform allows your team to monitor potential threats and manage risks effectively. Cyberint's solutions also include monitoring for data leaks and phishing site impersonations, which are crucial for maintaining brand integrity.

Standout services: Cyberint offers domain protection to identify and manage lookalike domains that may harm your brand. Their phishing detection service helps safeguard your organization by identifying and mitigating phishing threats before they impact your operations.

Target industries: Financial services, retail, healthcare, IT services, and government.

Specialties: Attack surface management, darkweb threat intelligence, phishing detection, domain protection, and data leakage monitoring.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored solutions for various industries
  • Effective phishing detection
  • Comprehensive domain protection
  • User-friendly Argos platform
  • Real-time threat intelligence

Cons:

  • Requires integration with existing systems
  • Initial setup complexity
  • Focused on specific industries
  • May require ongoing monitoring
  • Pricing details not transparent

Best for phishing protection

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Fortra PhishLabs offers digital risk protection services, focusing on phishing defense, threat intelligence, and incident response. They serve business functions such as security operations and brand protection, catering to industries like finance and healthcare. Their main client base includes security teams and CISOs aiming to protect their organizations from phishing attacks.

Why I picked Fortra PhishLabs: Fortra PhisLabs phishing protection services provide real-time monitoring and takedown of phishing sites, crucial for safeguarding your brand. Threat intelligence offers insights into emerging threats, helping your team stay ahead of attackers. The incident response capabilities ensure swift action to mitigate phishing impacts, enhancing overall security posture.

Standout services: Fortra PhishLabs provides digital risk monitoring to identify and reduce threats across digital channels, safeguarding your brand's reputation. Their social media protection service helps detect and mitigate risks on social platforms, ensuring your brand remains secure in the digital space.

Target industries: Finance, healthcare, retail, technology, and telecommunications.

Specialties: Phishing protection, threat intelligence, incident response, digital risk monitoring, and social media protection.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Social media risk mitigation
  • Digital risk monitoring
  • Effective incident response
  • Comprehensive threat intelligence
  • Real-time phishing site takedown

Cons:

  • Requires integration with existing systems
  • Initial setup complexity
  • Focused on specific industries
  • May require ongoing monitoring
  • Pricing details not transparent

Best for social media protection

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

ZeroFox provides a suite of external cybersecurity services that include brand protection, domain protection, and social media protection. They serve key business functions like threat intelligence and attack surface management, targeting industries such as financial services and healthcare. Their main client base includes organizations looking to safeguard their digital presence from cyber threats.

Why I picked ZeroFox: ZeroFox’s social media protection is a core service, offering tools to detect and mitigate risks on social platforms. Their threat intelligence services provide insights into potential digital threats, aiding in proactive risk management. Rapid takedown capabilities allow your team to address identified threats.

Standout services: ZeroFox’s dark web monitoring to help you identify and manage threats emerging from hidden online spaces. Their external attack surface management service helps you understand and protect your digital footprint from external threats.

Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, technology, retail, and government.

Specialties: Social media protection, domain protection, threat intelligence, dark web monitoring, and rapid threat takedowns.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • On-demand investigations available
  • Advanced social media protection
  • Integrates with 150+ applications
  • Rapid threat takedowns
  • Comprehensive threat intelligence

Cons:

  • Requires integration with existing systems
  • Focused on specific industries
  • Initial setup can be complex
  • May require ongoing monitoring
  • Pricing details not transparent

Best for secure printing solutions

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

De La Rue offers secure printing and brand protection services, specializing in safeguarding products and supply chains against counterfeiting and illicit trade. They serve governments, central banks, and businesses seeking to protect their products and maintain brand integrity.

Why I picked De La Rue: De La Rue Traceology® platform provides digital track and trace capabilities, allowing you to monitor your products throughout the supply chain and detect potential counterfeit or diversion activities. De La Rue's PURE™ and IZON® holographic labels offer immediate visual authentication, helping your customers verify product authenticity easily. By integrating these secure printing solutions, you can enhance your brand's protection against counterfeit threats.

Standout services: De La Rue’s security labels incorporate advanced holography, providing quick visual verification to help your customers distinguish genuine products from counterfeits. Their digital track and trace solution, Traceology®, enables you to monitor your products throughout the supply chain, detecting and addressing counterfeit or diversion activities effectively.

Target industries: Pharmaceuticals, electronics, luxury goods, tobacco, and alcohol.

Specialties: Secure printing, holographic labels, digital track and trace, anti-counterfeiting, and supply chain authentication.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers both physical and digital brand protection
  • Solutions tailored for various industries
  • Digital track and trace improves supply chain visibility
  • Advanced holographic labels enhance product security
  • Long-standing experience in secure printing

Cons:

  • Some solutions may be more suitable for larger organizations
  • Implementation timeframes can vary
  • Focus on secure printing may not suit all needs
  • May require integration with existing systems
  • Pricing information not publicly available

Best for digital piracy protection

  • Free discovery call available
  • Pricing upon request

Red Points offers an AI-driven Brand Protection Platform focused on combating counterfeits, piracy, and unauthorized sales across digital channels. They primarily serve e-commerce, social media, and digital content platforms. The main client base includes brands looking to protect their digital assets and enhance their online presence.

Why I picked Red Points: Red Points’ AI Brand Protection Platform is tailored for digital piracy protection, featuring unlimited takedowns and predictive AI models. The platform's revenue recovery program allows you to claim payouts from infringers at no cost. This unique approach helps your team effectively manage and mitigate digital piracy threats.

Standout services: Red Points provides domain management to help you safeguard your online presence by managing and securing your digital domains. Their social media growth service assists in expanding your brand's reach by managing and optimizing your social media channels.

Target industries: E-commerce, social media, digital content platforms, ads, and marketplaces.

Specialties: Brand protection, anti-piracy, domain management, social media growth, and revenue recovery.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • No hidden costs
  • Predictive AI models
  • Revenue recovery program
  • Unlimited takedowns
  • AI-driven platform

Cons:

  • Complex setup process
  • May need customization
  • Requires ongoing management
  • Limited to digital channels
  • Pricing not transparent

Best for product authentication

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Authentix offers authentication and anti-counterfeiting solutions that enhance supply chain visibility and combat criminal activity. They serve industries such as government, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals, focusing on excise tax recovery and brand protection. Their main client base includes organizations looking to secure their products and ensure authenticity.

Why I picked Authentix: Authentix specializes in product authentication, utilizing technologies like DigiTrax™ and TransAct™ to protect your brand from counterfeiting. Their fuel marking services help combat fuel fraud, which is crucial for industries like oil and gas. With a focus on securing products and ensuring authenticity, they provide comprehensive solutions to safeguard your brand.

Standout services: Authentix provides security printing that integrates advanced optical markers and machine-readable features, enhancing the security of banknotes and legal documents. Their currency analyzers help detect counterfeit currency, providing a reliable tool for financial institutions and governments.

Target industries: Government, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, banking, and health and beauty.

Specialties: Product authentication, anti-counterfeiting, fuel fraud prevention, security printing, and currency analyzers.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Collaborative approach with clients
  • Comprehensive brand protection
  • High customer retention rate
  • Proven expertise in excise tax recovery
  • Advanced digital technologies

Cons:

  • Limited information on trial specifics
  • Complex setup for some solutions
  • Focused on select industries
  • May require industry-specific customization
  • Pricing details not transparent

Other Brand Protection Companies

Here are some additional brand protection companies that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. BrandVerity

    For PPC ad monitoring

  2. Corsearch Inc.

    For trademark research

  3. Mimecast

    For integrated email protection

  4. Brand24

    For social media monitoring

  5. Proofpoint

    For email security solutions

  6. Doppel

    For digital identity protection

  7. FraudWatch International

    For phishing site takedowns

  8. MarqVision

    For AI-driven IP protection

  9. The Search Monitor

    For ad monitoring insights

  10. Recorded Future

    For real-time threat intelligence

  11. MarkMonitor

    For domain management services

  12. Growling WLG

    For legal brand protection

  13. EverC

    For transaction risk management

What Do Brand Protection Companies Do?

Brand protection companies are specialized service providers that help safeguard a brand's reputation, intellectual property, and market presence. They might offer things like:

  • Monitoring for counterfeit products
  • Enforcing trademark rights
  • Protecting against digital piracy
  • Managing domain names
  • Conducting online brand surveillance

Businesses and professionals like marketing managers, legal teams, and brand managers typically seek out brand protection companies. These providers address challenges like counterfeiting, unauthorized use of trademarks, and online brand misuse.

Brand Protection Companies: Selection Criteria

When selecting the best brand protection companies to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like safeguarding intellectual property and preventing counterfeit sales. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Trademark monitoring
  • Counterfeit detection
  • Online brand surveillance
  • Domain management
  • Digital piracy protection

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • AI-driven threat detection
  • Social media risk monitoring
  • Customized reporting
  • Dark web monitoring
  • Multi-language support

Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years in operation
  • Number of industries served
  • Client testimonials
  • Case studies available
  • Industry-specific expertise

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Ease of setup
  • Availability of training materials
  • Support during implementation
  • Customization options
  • Time to full deployment

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of 24/7 support
  • Response time
  • Communication channels
  • Dedicated account managers
  • Customer feedback

Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparent pricing models
  • Flexibility in pricing plans
  • Cost compared to services offered
  • Discounts for long-term contracts
  • Return on investment potential

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Commonly mentioned issues
  • Praise for specific features
  • Customer retention rates
  • Recommendations from user

How to Choose Brand Protection Companies

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesEnsure the provider's services align with your team's goals, whether it's reducing counterfeit products or protecting intellectual property.
Service Scope and SLAsLook for clear service level agreements that outline response times, takedown guarantees, and the full range of services offered.
Support AvailabilityCheck if 24/7 support is available, and assess the quality of customer service through reviews or trial interactions.
Costs and Pricing StructureUnderstand the pricing model, including any hidden fees, and compare it with the services offered to ensure value for money.
Communication and ReportingEvaluate how the provider communicates updates and reports on progress, ensuring they offer detailed insights into their activities and results.
Technology and ToolsAssess the technology stack and tools the provider uses to ensure they meet your technical requirements and integrate with your systems.
Customization OptionsDetermine if the provider offers tailored solutions to fit your unique needs, especially if you operate in a niche market.
Reputation and ReviewsResearch the provider's reputation in the industry by reading customer reviews and asking for case studies or references.

Brand Protection Companies Key Services

When selecting a brand protection company provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Trademark monitoring: Keeps track of unauthorized use of your trademarks and alerts you to potential intellectual property infringements.
  • Counterfeit detection: Identifies and removes counterfeit products from online marketplaces to protect your company's reputation.
  • Online brand surveillance: Monitors the web for misuse of your brand across different platforms and channels.
  • Domain management: Manages and secures your domain names, preventing cybersquatting and unauthorized use.
  • Digital piracy protection: Protects your digital content from unauthorized distribution and use.
  • Social media monitoring: Tracks social media platforms for brand mentions, ensuring your brand's image is maintained.
  • Phishing detection: Identifies and mitigates phishing threats that could harm your brand and customers.
  • Dark web monitoring: Monitors the dark web for threats or unauthorized use of your brand and data.
  • Incident response: Provides a plan and resources for responding to brand-related incidents quickly and effectively.
  • Customized reporting: Offers detailed reports on brand protection activities, giving you insights into trends and results.

Benefits of Brand Protection Companies

Partnering with brand protection companies offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Enhanced brand reputation: By monitoring for counterfeits and trademark infringements, your brand maintains a positive image in the market.
  • Increased customer trust: Phishing detection and digital piracy protection reassure customers that their interactions with your brand are secure.
  • Cost savings: Preventing counterfeits and unauthorized use helps avoid potential legal costs and lost revenue.
  • Market advantage: Online brand surveillance and social media monitoring provide insights that help you stay ahead of competitors.
  • Efficient incident management: With incident response services, your team can quickly address and mitigate brand-related issues.
  • Data-driven decisions: Customized reporting gives you valuable insights and data points to make informed decisions about your brand strategy.
  • Secure digital presence: Domain management and dark web monitoring protect your online assets and data from unauthorized access.

Costs and Pricing Structures of Brand Protection Companies

Brand protection companies typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Subscription-based: Charges a recurring fee for ongoing access to services and tools.
  • Project-based: Costs are determined based on the completion of specific projects or tasks.
  • Scope of work (SOW): Pricing is set according to the detailed scope of services to be delivered.
  • Tiered pricing: Offers different levels of service at varying price points, depending on needs.
  • Pay-as-you-go: Charges based on the usage of services, allowing flexibility in costs.

Key Factors That Influence Brand Protection Companies' Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of brand protection companies:

  • Customization needs: The more tailored the service, the higher the potential cost for creating unique solutions.
  • Industry regulations: Compliance with specific industry standards may require additional resources and adjustments.
  • Number of users: More users or employees can increase the cost due to the expanded scope of service.
  • Geographic coverage: Protecting a brand across multiple regions may involve higher fees due to the complexity.
  • Data volume: Handling large amounts of data for monitoring and protection can add to the cost.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

Brand Protection Companies: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about brand protection companies:

How do brand protection companies help prevent counterfeiting?

Brand protection companies use a mix of technology and expertise to monitor and detect counterfeit products. They search online marketplaces, social media, and other digital platforms for unauthorized copies of your brand. Once identified, they work to remove these counterfeits and take legal action if necessary. This helps you maintain your brand’s integrity and protect your revenue.

Can brand protection companies handle global markets?

Yes, many brand protection companies operate internationally and can manage your brand’s presence across different markets. They have the tools and expertise to monitor and enforce brand protection in multiple regions. Be sure to verify their geographic coverage and experience in the markets you operate in.

How quickly can I expect results from brand protection efforts?

The timeframe for seeing results can vary depending on the complexity of your brand protection needs. Some issues, like counterfeit takedowns, may be resolved quickly, while others, like ongoing monitoring, require continuous efforts. Discuss timelines with your provider to set realistic expectations for your team.

Are brand protection services customizable for specific industries?

Yes, many brand protection companies offer customizable services tailored to the unique needs of different industries. They understand that each sector faces specific challenges and can adapt their strategies accordingly. Make sure to communicate your industry-specific requirements when choosing a provider.

What role does technology play in brand protection?

Technology is a crucial component of effective brand protection. Companies use advanced tools like AI and machine learning to detect threats and monitor brand use online. These technologies help automate processes, making it easier to identify and address issues quickly. Ensure your provider uses up-to-date technology to enhance their services.

What's Next?

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Dozie Anyaegbunam
By Dozie Anyaegbunam

Dozie Anyaegbunam is the Senior Editor of The CMO Club, a digital media publication that helps SaaS marketing leaders win at work. He has several years of core brand marketing experience across various verticals, from edu-tech, to food and beverages, to SaaS. He's also led marketing teams at B2B SaaS startups, global multinationals, and the public sector. Dozie is the Founder & Host of The Newcomers, a media publication that explores what it means to be an immigrant.