The article is written by Managing Brand Protection Counsel Patrick Lykke
Online Brand Protection – also known as digital brand protection – is the systematic monitoring and enforcement of companies’ rights online with the purpose of stopping fraud, counterfeiting, phishing, and trade mark infringements on digital platforms.
As e-commerce and digital platforms continue to grow, the risk of misuse increases. Professional Online Brand Protection has therefore become a necessity for many businesses to avoid damage to brand reputation and loss of revenue.
How is online fraud combated?
At Patrade, we have more than 30 years of experience protecting IP (Intellectual Property). We work both with the establishment of rights – including patents, trade marks, and designs – and with subsequent monitoring and enforcement in cases of infringement.
Traditionally, enforcement has taken place offline and has consisted of cease-and-desist letters, preliminary injunctions, litigation, etc.
However, with the growth of e-commerce and digital activity, the infringement landscape has changed. This has led to an expansion of our business and traditional IP services with a specialized focus on Online Brand Protection.
Today, we have built strong competencies within online enforcement. The most effective method is often to rely on intermediary liability. This means that we contact retailers (online platforms) as well as channels where fraudsters actively advertise (e.g., Meta, Google, or TikTok) and have the infringing content removed – rather than pursuing the fraudsters directly, which is often an ineffective approach.
In this way, we stop fraud by cutting off the fraudsters from their sales and marketing platforms.
Where do we work with Online Brand Protection?
“Online” is a broad term. At Patrade, we specialize in brand protection in six key areas:
- Online marketplaces
We identify and remove counterfeits, trademark infringements, and other misuse of your brands on online marketplaces such as AliExpress, Taobao, Amazon, Temu, and others. - Fraudulent websites
We identify and shut down fake websites that pose as legitimate retailers of your products – or as your company. - Social media
We identify and remove posts, advertisements, profiles, and promotions that commercially misuse your brand. - Domain name registrations
We monitor and identify newly registered domain names that infringe your trademark or otherwise misuse your brand. - Website content
We enforce rights against legitimate websites where your brand is misused – for example on a competitor’s website. - App Stores
We monitor platforms including Google Play Store and Apple App Store and have apps removed that infringe your rights or misuse your brand.
How do we work with Online Brand Protection?
We always tailor our solutions to the individual company, as the risk landscape varies significantly from brand to brand.
We handle the full spectrum of online infringements, including:
- Phishing emails (e.g., CEO fraud)
- Fake webshops
- Infringing domains
- Misuse on social media
- Illegal online advertising
We continuously monitor relevant platforms, document infringements, and ensure effective takedown.
As a client, you gain access to a user-friendly online platform where you can follow cases and view documentation, status, and results in real time. We naturally provide ongoing reporting and recommendations for further protection.
What does Online Brand Protection cost?
The price depends on:
- The number of platforms and markets
- The scope of monitoring
- The number of enforcement cases
- Reporting and analysis needs
We offer both one-off services and subscription solutions with fixed monitoring and ongoing enforcement.
Prices typically start from EUR 670 to EUR 1,340 for a one-off service and from EUR 1,340 to EUR 4,020 per month for a subscription covering:
- Assessment of the scope of protection
- Monitoring
- Identification of infringements
- Data collection
- Takedown of infringements
- Reporting
- Recommendations for further initiatives
How do you get started with Online Brand Protection?
The first step is a non-binding and free initial dialogue.
Based on your situation, we provide a realistic assessment of the risk landscape and a concrete proposal with an associated price.
You are welcome to contact one of our specialists directly or complete the contact form at the bottom of the page – and we will get in touch with you.
