Categorizing data: Unveiling the tiniest details 

In the battle against counterfeits, every detail counts. Humans are good at categorizing data, but they may miss the small nuances that differentiate genuine products from counterfeits. That’s where AI comes in. By scanning Unique Product Identifiers (UPIs) or Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), AI algorithms can quickly identify known discrepancies in product type, volume, size, or weight that are different from the genuine brand.  Even the smallest difference between a genuine article and a counterfeit can be detected by AI, making it an invaluable tool for brand protection. For example, renowned jeweler Tiffany & CO marks their pieces with hallmarks indicating metal purity, such as 750 for 18k gold, and inscribes a unique report number that could be as tiny as 0.5 mm directly onto diamonds to authenticate the brand. AI’s  application, as sharp as a jeweler’s microscope, can ensure that no detail goes unnoticed. 

Processing language: Decoding conversations  

In the world of brand protection, investigations often involve sifting through vast amounts of text-based data, such as legal correspondence, investigation reports, chat scripts or emails. Imagine the challenge of identifying the most crucial conversations from months of text messages or uncovering deviations in language patterns that indicate unauthorized resellers. This is where AI’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities shine. For example, by applying NLP techniques, AI can sift through mountains of text data, pinpointing conversations that involve meeting someone in person to exchange counterfeit goods or detecting language patterns that deviate from authorized resellers. AI becomes the detective mechanism that helps investigators zero in on the most critical information, making their job more efficient and effective.   

Processing unstructured or semi-structured data: Unleashing the power of insights 

Brand protection involves analyzing various data formats like documents, PDF files, spreadsheets, and drawings. Without AI, investigators would spend hours or weeks manually reviewing and analyzing counterfeit cases. But with AI’s ability to understand and classify unstructured or semi-structured data, the burden is significantly reduced. AI automates the process, allowing investigators to uncover insights from these data sources that would otherwise be hidden. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, brand protection teams can go beyond structured processes and data, expanding their reach and making more impactful discoveries. AI becomes their trusted ally in the fight against counterfeits, unlocking a treasure trove of information that leads to effective brand protection strategies.    

Processing images: Seeing what the naked eye can’t  

Visual content plays a crucial role in brand protection. Counterfeiters often replicate the visual elements of established brands, making it challenging to differentiate genuine products from counterfeits. This is where AI’s image-processing abilities come into play. Using machine learning, AI can train on labeled images to create models that can detect counterfeits with human-level accuracy. Investigators can use these models to pre-process product images, allowing them to focus on the most relevant matches. AI’s power lies in its ability to automatically analyze online marketplaces, identifying counterfeit products masquerading as genuine articles. With AI as their vigilant partner, brand protection teams can unmask the copycats and preserve their brand’s identity.      

Identifying locations: Pinpointing the hide-outs   

AI’s application in location-based intelligence (LI) plays a vital role in brand protection. Imagine an investigator receiving a tip about a factory producing counterfeit drugs. The investigator has an image of the factory, but they need to find its location quickly. In this case, AI can swiftly pinpoint the exact location, empowering investigators to take immediate action and shut down the operation. 

In fact, with AI’s capabilities to match images with geo data such as geotags, IP addresses, or shipping information, brand protection teams can identify the physical locations of counterfeiters with ease.

But location-based brand protection goes beyond individual cases. AI helps businesses map, analyze, and identify patterns of counterfeiting activities across different regions. This allows them to develop targeted strategies and collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to crack down counterfeit operations effectively. With AI as their guide, brand protection teams can defend their turf and ensure their brand’s exclusivity in the marketplace.