As brand visibility and business operations continue to shift online, intellectual property (IP) protection has become a critical component of corporate security. The barriers to IP infringement have never been lower, according to CSC’s “IP Frontiers Report 2025,” Fraudsters can easily set up fake websites, mimic social media accounts, or distribute counterfeit goods that erode trust and damage revenue.
Ian McConnel, CSC’s chief legal officer explains that IP protection is no longer a standalone legal issue but an essential part of cybersecurity. “Domain management is a key part of cybersecurity strategies,” he notes, “not just protecting the crown jewel domain names.”
Key findings from global legal leaders
CSC’s 2025 study surveyed 300 senior legal professionals around the world to understand how organizations are adapting to an evolving IP threat landscape. The findings reveal both progress and growing concern:
- 91% of respondents are worried about online IP infringement.
- 55% expect these incidents to rise significantly over the next three years.
- The most common issues are counterfeiting, trademark abuse, and impersonation.
- 88% believe artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the surge in infringement.
- Over half (56%) already outsource IP monitoring and plan to expand this practice.
While collaboration is improving—64% rated their partnership with IT and security teams as strong—many legal departments still face resource challenges when it comes to ongoing IP monitoring and enforcement.
AI: Accelerating the challenge
AI is transforming productivity, but it’s also transforming the scale and sophistication of IP infringement. Fraudsters can now generate convincing fake logos, websites, and even voice or video impersonations of executives within hours.
“The opportunities for less tech-savvy bad actors will continue to grow,” McConnel warns. “They’re only limited by their imagination.”
The growing importance of domain protection
Domains remain one of the most common entry points for IP theft. As CSC Global Product Director Elliott Champion explains, “It has never been easier for fraudsters to register any domain name they choose.” Fake domains can be set up within minutes and used to host counterfeit shops, launch phishing campaigns, or misappropriate brand identity.
Governance and outsourcing: Essential strategies
The report highlights a clear correlation between effective IP protection and cross-departmental collaboration. Organizations with digital governance teams—bringing together legal, IT, marketing, and security—show stronger monitoring practices and faster response to infringement.
The path forward: Proactive, not reactive
As the report concludes, IP protection can no longer be reactive. Fraudsters’ use of AI and automation means threats emerge faster than ever before. A proactive, multilayered approach—especially in partnership with a trusted provider—saves both time and cost while minimizing damage.
“Being proactive shows you value your property and your IP,” notes CSC Product Manager Mary Jo Murphy. “In the long run, it pays off—not only through detection and monitoring, but by ensuring the right legal enforcement mechanisms are in place.”
Conclusion
The message from “The IP Frontiers Report 2025” is clear: IP protection now sits at the heart of enterprise cybersecurity. Legal, IT, and marketing teams must collaborate more closely, embrace automation responsibly, and build defenses that anticipate—not just respond to—the next wave of digital threats.
To discover detailed survey results, expert commentary, and best practices for building a proactive IP protection strategy…