The Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters has signed a definitive agreement to acquire MarkMonitor, a global leader in online brand protection, subject to regulatory approval. Together, Thomson Reuters and MarkMonitor say they will transform brand protection to help companies create, manage, protect their revenue and reputations around the world.
The acquisition of MarkMonitor, headquartered in San Francisco, will strengthen the broad portfolio of intellectual property solutions from Thomson Reuters the companies announced. With over 400 employees in five countries, MarkMonitor claims they are a market leader in online brand protection and currently safeguards more than half of the Fortune 100 brands.
“This acquisition marks the beginning of a transformational shift within the Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters,” said Chris Kibarian, president, IP & Science, Thomson Reuters. “It is emblematic of our strategy to accelerate innovation and growth within our business.”
“Thomson Reuters already helps thousands of companies create, manage and protect hundreds of billions of dollars worth of intellectual property assets,” said David Brown, president, Intellectual Property Solutions, Thomson Reuters. “With the addition of online brand protection solutions like those provided by MarkMonitor, we’ll be able to deliver advanced technologies to keep customers one step ahead of brandjackers and reduce the enormous risk posed to brands online.”
The MarkMonitor team, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Irfan Salim, will join Thomson Reuters.
“With the continued explosive growth of Internet, ecommerce and social network usage, the digital world provides an anonymous haven for criminals who harm brands’ revenue and reputation, often at the expense of consumers,” said Salim. “Brands that take action to protect themselves by managing their domain name portfolios see real return on investment, including lower online advertising costs and higher revenue, along with greater customer satisfaction. Together, MarkMonitor and Thomson Reuters will provide best-in-class solutions for online brand protection.”