The Challenge

After winning the UEFA Europa League in 2022, Eintracht Frankfurt once again found itself at the peak of its popularity.

This made them a perfect target for counterfeiting – the demand for fan merchandise soared.

However, this popularity and brand strength were marred by an alarming problem with counterfeit goods. One of the major issues was the sale of counterfeit jerseys.

This led to fans and buyers being deceived, as they didn't realize they were purchasing fake products.

During the pandemic, Martin Schittko, the Head of Merchandising, found his inbox filled with reports from colleagues about suspicious listings on Amazon, eBay, and similar e-commerce platforms.

The proliferation of these counterfeits posed two major problems. Firstly, there was a significant risk of financial losses.

This was not a minor issue, as the extent of the counterfeiting problem was substantial.

The listings were not confined to one or two platforms but were widespread and extended to international markets, including China and Turkey.

The second challenge may have been even more significant: the damage to Eintracht Frankfurt's brand image. The club takes pride in the quality of its fan merchandise and its commitment to sustainability, a value that is important to the fans. Each counterfeit product was a direct attack on this commitment.

The Solution

In collaboration with Sentryc, Eintracht Frankfurt addressed its counterfeiting problem with a tailored solution. Sentryc's software not only scanned counterfeit listings on online platforms and social media but also ensured their swift removal. This global coverage played a crucial role in providing Eintracht Frankfurt with comprehensive protection against counterfeits. The system also delivered detailed and action-oriented reports, enabling the club to understand and effectively combat counterfeits. In this way, both revenue and brand reputation were safeguarded, and a stronger and more secure presence in the global sports market was promoted.

The Result

Eintracht Frankfurt's strategic decision to integrate Sentryc into its brand protection arsenal has proven to be a significant time-saving and game-changing step in its ongoing battle against global counterfeiting. The rapid and efficient detection and removal of counterfeit listings by Sentryc, regardless of their geographical origin, has significantly reduced the time the club previously spent on these daunting tasks. The insightful real-time reports provided by the software have imparted a deep understanding of the ever-evolving counterfeit patterns. This has enabled precise responses and strategic planning for the future. In the fight against counterfeiters, Sentryc's technology has shown that with the right tools, the constant pressure from product pirates is manageable.

Conclusion

The partnership between Eintracht Frankfurt and Sentryc demonstrates the crucial role a proactive, technology-driven approach plays in the ongoing battle against product piracy. The football club shows a continuous commitment to preserving its brand integrity and sustainably improving the fan experience, confirming the effectiveness of the solution deployed. Despite the ever-evolving world of counterfeiting, with Sentryc's support, Eintracht Frankfurt is prepared to turn every emerging threat into an opportunity to strengthen its brand protection strategy. This is an ongoing battle that may never truly end, but with the right tools and strategies, it can be effectively managed.

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