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Case Study

Defending BookTok Success: How Kate Stewart's Company Protects Licensees and Revenue with Podqi

How KLS Press transformed IP protection into a strategic advantage with 1,000+ takedowns on TikTok Shop alone.

Key Results

1,500+

Takedowns Executed

Unauthorized listings removed

$500K

Unauthorized Revenue Blocked

Value of infringing listings removed across hundreds of marketplaces.

75%

Manual Time Reduction

Reduction in time spent across brand protection efforts at KLS Press.

"Podqi has become an indispensable ally in our intellectual property protection efforts. Their dedication, professionalism, and drive to improve make them a trusted partner who truly cares about what they do. Their swift action has reinforced our brand's credibility and protected our customers from misleading products."

- Kristan Collins, COO at KLS Press

About KLS Press

KLS Press is the company behind USA Today bestselling author Kate Stewart, whose books have exploded in popularity on BookTok, with viral TikTok recommendations generating millions of views and driving unprecedented demand. As Kate Stewart's titles became social media sensations, KLS Press faced the challenge of protecting their valuable intellectual property in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Challenge

Protecting Viral Content in the BookTok Era

When Kate Stewart's titles went viral on BookTok, KLS Press faced an explosion of unauthorized sales and trademark infringements that threatened both revenue and reader experience:

  • Viral vulnerability - BookTok popularity made KLS Press a prime target for infringers, with new unauthorized listings appearing within hours of viral posts
  • Resource drain - Team members spent valuable hours manually tracking down infringements across dozens of platforms, taking time away from creative and strategic initiatives
  • Platform evolution - New infringing products constantly emerged across social commerce platforms like TikTok Shop, where traditional enforcement methods could not scale
  • Limited Coverage - Only a small percentage of infringing products were addressed due to capacity constraints

"In an industry where brand integrity is paramount, finding a trusted intellectual property protection partner was a significant challenge. Partnering with Podqi has been a game-changer in safeguarding our intellectual property while making the process seamless and efficient."

- Kristan Collins, COO at KLS Press

Solution

AI-Powered Protection That Works as a True Extension of the Team

Podqi transformed KLS Press's brand protection strategy by becoming more than just a service provider—they became an integral part of the KLS team:

"Their proactive approach to monitoring and enforcing our brand's intellectual property rights has alleviated the burden of tracking down infringements, allowing us to focus on our core business. Podqi takes the time to understand our brand inside and out. Their team has gone beyond simply executing takedowns; they have worked closely with us to develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to our specific needs. Their responsiveness and attention to detail ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, making them feel like an in-house department rather than an external vendor."

"What sets Podqi apart is their continuous drive for improvement. They don't just settle for standard solutions—they actively seek ways to refine their processes and enhance their effectiveness. Whether it's adopting new enforcement techniques, leveraging advanced monitoring tools, or providing strategic insights, they are always looking for ways to stay ahead of potential threats."

- Kristan Collins, COO at KLS Press

Four months into the partnership, Podqi had already exceeded the total number of takedowns that KLS Press' previous vendor achieved annually.

Results

Transforming Brand Protection from Cost Center to Strategic Advantage

The KLS Press-Podqi partnership transformed IP protection into a strategic advantage, delivering hard-hitting results:

Enforcement Metrics

  • 1,500+ successful takedowns executed
  • 417 platforms continuously monitored, including emerging BookTok-related marketplaces
  • $500K+ in estimated unauthorized revenue taken down

Business Impact

  • Significant reduction in enforcement time, reducing on average 10 hours a week
  • Decreased licensee and customer complaints about infringing products by 50%+
  • Helped maintain brand integrity where it matters: 1,000 takedowns on TikTok Shop alone
  • Freed up internal resources to focus on new launches rather than infringement enforcement

"Since partnering with Podqi, we've seen a significant reduction in unauthorized sales and trademark infringements. Through detailed reports and regular updates, Podqi provides full transparency into their enforcement efforts, giving us peace of mind that our brand is in capable hands. Their commitment to thoroughness and persistence has proven invaluable in maintaining the integrity of our brand across multiple platforms."

- Kristan Collins, COO at KLS Press

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, KLS Press plans to expand their partnership with Podqi as the books continue international expansion into global markets, ensuring brand integrity across new distribution channels including international e-commerce platforms and region-specific social media sites as their popularity continues to grow.

"Their open communication and willingness to listen to our concerns make working with them effortless. They consistently check in to ensure that our needs are met and are receptive to feedback, making the collaboration both productive and enjoyable. Their team not only delivers results but also fosters a collaborative relationship that makes brand protection feel effortless. For any company looking for a reliable, effective, and engaged IP protection service, we wholeheartedly recommend Podqi."

- Kristan Collins, COO at KLS Press