IMG Beefs Up On Brand Protection Services

IMG has announced the acquisition of JPatton, the Atlanta-based provider of brand protection and brand management solutions specializing in patented holographic security technologies and digital asset management. JPatton says its patented process has produced over 1.8 billion holographic hang tags and labels worldwide, protecting more than $10 billion in intellectual property.

The firm will be folded into IMG Sports and Entertainment, which currently manages the trademark licensing rights for the PGA TOUR, Wimbledon, Salt Life, ESPN X Games, Arnold Palmer, Playboy, Goodyear, Ferrari, Vail Resorts, Kentucky Derby, Louisville Slugger, and more than 200 top collegiate institutions.

"The services that JPatton offers in the areas of brand protection and brand management are a perfect fit with the industry-leading customer service and strategic marketing that IMG currently provides to our licensing clients," added George Pyne, President of IMG's Sports and Entertainment Group. "This acquisition will also allow us to offer their expertise and production capabilities to service other IMG divisions, as well attract new partners in the areas of sports, fashion, entertainment, and events and hospitality that are looking for a solution to authenticating their brands."

"We are excited to be joining the IMG family and aligning our business with the industry leader in brand licensing and marketing," stated Jim Patton, Founder and CEO of JPatton. "We've enjoyed a long-standing partnership with IMG and many of its current clients, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead to expand our service offerings and build on our 17 years of successfully helping brand owners protect their brands."