The Challenge
SproutWorld, the company that makes patented plantable pencils, faced increasing counterfeit threats from regions like China, India, and Turkey. Despite patents and trademarks, manual monitoring uncovered only a fraction of infringements. Counterfeits using unsustainable materials not only harmed the brand but also posed ecological risks, introducing non-native seeds that could damage biodiversity. SproutWorld needed a scalable, efficient solution to combat counterfeiters while safeguarding its reputation and sustainability mission.
The Solution
To tackle these challenges, SproutWorld partnered with Red Points, deploying AI-powered technology to detect and remove counterfeit listings across platforms such as Amazon, Facebook, and Etsy. By automating monitoring and enforcement, Red Points eliminated the need for time-consuming manual processes.
Beyond enforcement, Red Points delivered actionable insights that SproutWorld’s sales team leveraged to engage with unauthorized sellers. This unique approach turned infringements into opportunities, converting counterfeit distributors into official partners and bolstering SproutWorld’s market reach.
The Result
The partnership with Red Points transformed SproutWorld’s ability to protect its brand and products. Over 7,000 infringements were removed across 690 domains, significantly reducing the market presence of counterfeit products. SproutWorld also identified and reported 1,982 infringers globally, gaining invaluable visibility into reseller networks. These efforts streamlined enforcement, enhanced operational efficiency, and supported the company’s broader sustainability goals.
SPROUTWORLD
SproutWorld, founded in 2013 by Danish entrepreneur Michael Stausholm, is renowned for its innovative plantable pencils. These unique writing instruments contain seed capsules that can be planted after use, allowing them to grow into herbs, flowers, or vegetables. The concept originated from a group of MIT students, and under Stausholm’s leadership, SproutWorld has expanded its product line to include plantable makeup liners. The company operates globally, with headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, and production sites in Poland and USA. SproutWorld has sold over 80 million plantable Sprout pencils to more than 80 countries. The pencils can be customized with a logo or message and used as gifts or giveaways.
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sproutworld.com
Sustainable industry
Copenhagen, Denmark
