Harvard Law to AI: MarqVision lands $48M to combat brand abuse
When Mark Lee was a student at Harvard Law, a single class on trademarks changed his life. What began as legal curiosity turned into a mission to fight counterfeiting—a global crisis worth more than $3 trillion. That journey has now culminated in a major milestone: Harvard Law to AI: MarqVision lands $48M to combat brand abuse and expand its AI-powered brand protection platform.
Image Credits:MarqVision
From Harvard Law to Entrepreneurship
Mark Lee never expected to be an entrepreneur. Coming from a family of lawyers, he assumed a legal career was inevitable. But at Harvard, a trademark class revealed just how vast and damaging counterfeiting had become—representing nearly 8% of global commerce.
During the COVID-19 surge, counterfeiting boomed online, growing by 20% each year through marketplaces and social media. For Lee, this wasn’t just an academic issue. It was a universal problem begging for a technological solution.
Birth of MarqVision: AI Meets Trademark Protection
In 2021, Lee co-founded MarqVision, combining his legal background with cutting-edge computer vision. The name itself carries its mission: “Marq” for trademarks and “Vision” for AI vision technology.
The startup’s goal was ambitious but clear—use artificial intelligence to detect and eliminate counterfeit goods while defending brands worldwide. By automating enforcement, MarqVision reduces legal bottlenecks and empowers companies to take control of their intellectual property in real time.
Harvard Law to AI: MarqVision Lands $48M to Combat Brand Abuse
Fast forward to 2025, and MarqVision has successfully raised a $48 million Series B round, pushing its total funding to around $90 million. The investment is a strong vote of confidence in the startup’s mission and AI-first approach to solving brand abuse.
Half of this fresh funding is allocated to expanding AI and engineering teams. Another $10 million will enhance enterprise readiness as MarqVision courts global brands. A further $10 million will fuel international expansion, signaling the company’s intent to become a category leader.
Why This Funding Round Matters
Brand abuse isn’t just about knock-off handbags or fake sneakers. It extends into pharmaceuticals, electronics, and even critical supply chains—posing risks not only to companies but also to consumers.
By leveraging AI and generative models, MarqVision aims to detect counterfeit goods faster and with greater accuracy than manual systems ever could. The $48M raise ensures the company can scale quickly, protect more brands, and ultimately make the digital marketplace safer.
The Bigger Picture: AI as a Global Defense Against Counterfeiting
MarqVision’s story shows how Harvard Law to AI is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a blueprint for solving trillion-dollar problems with technology. What started as a law school revelation has grown into a global business with the potential to reshape how companies safeguard their intellectual property.
With counterfeiting still on the rise and brand abuse evolving across platforms, MarqVision’s fresh backing positions it to stay ahead of the curve. For startups and legacy brands alike, its progress underscores a larger trend: AI isn’t just powering productivity—it’s becoming the frontline defense against crime in commerce.
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