Case study: Brand protection for a fast-scaling consumer startup
A D2C beverage brand saw copycat listings on marketplaces within months of launch, coupled with a confusingly similar trademark application in the same class.
Challenge: Counterfeits eroding trust; conflicting trademark filing creating registration risk; marketplace takedowns stalling without consistent evidence.
Approach:
- IP audit and filing sequence: Prioritized trademark applications for word mark + device across relevant classes; filed oppositions against the conflicting mark.
- Enforcement: Deployed investigators, issued cease-and-desist notices, escalated to injunction-ready filing for persistent offenders.
Outcome:
- Rapid takedowns: 90% of infringing listings removed within four weeks.
- Trademark win: Conflicting application withdrawn after opposition and cease and desist; primary mark granted.
- Counterfeit deterrence: Notice-and-penalty framework reduced repeat infringements.