RightsHero

What RightsHero does

RightsHero is a UAE-based AI-powered anti-piracy and digital content protection platform headquartered in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, with operating presence in Dubai. Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from DigiSay Group (a UAE media-tech enabling group), RightsHero serves media companies, broadcasters, streaming platforms, sports rights holders, VOD providers, and brands across the MENA region and globally. The company offers 17 services organized into four categories: Content Protection (search engine de-listing, tubes & UGC web enforcement, app store protection, live streaming disruption, illegal IPTV devices & apps disruption, forensic & technical investigation, pirated content monitoring & analytics), AI & Tech Solutions (custom AI model development, scalable cloud infrastructure, advanced technology solution development), Social Media Management (channel growth strategy, rights optimization, creator economy curation, social media ads execution), and Cyber Security (auditing, vulnerability auditing, penetration testing).

The platform is built around proprietary AI-powered crawlers that scan the web across all major languages to detect infringing URLs, automated high-volume DMCA notice submission, content fingerprinting integrated with YouTube Content ID and Meta Rights Manager, a dedicated IPTV testing laboratory equipped with 100+ IPTV applications, forensic investigation tooling for watermark and metadata-based leak source tracing, and an intelligence database containing millions of hosting, infrastructure, and behavioral records. The platform reports operational metrics of 190M+ processed URLs, 3,000+ protected campaigns, 94% removal success rate, 92% takedown success rate, and AI-driven monitoring with a claimed 99.99% accuracy and 60% faster detection than prior approaches. The company holds verified removal activity documented in Google Transparency Report and has won four regional awards (2023-2024).

RightsHero operates a dual go-to-market: enterprise direct sales offering custom protection with annual subscription contracts to major media clients (MBC, Rotana, STC, Yango Play, VIU, Sea Cinema, Film Clinic, among 13+ named logos), and a self-protection product-led platform enabling customers to sign and activate in minutes without managed-service engagement. Revenue is generated through subscription recurring contracts (content protection, self-protection platform), professional services for AI/tech solutions, and managed services for social media operations. The company is privately held with no disclosed external institutional investment, no public listing, and management led by Co-Founder & Group CEO Ahmed Abbas, Co-Founder & Board Member Dr. Sherif Zaidan, CEO Ahmed Edrees, and Director of Anti-Piracy & Technology Alaa Ali.

Name

RightsHero

Legal name

RightsHero

Website

https://rightshero.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RightsHero is a UAE-based AI-powered anti-piracy and digital content protection platform serving media companies, broadcasters, streaming platforms, sports rights holders, and brands across MENA and globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Content Protection

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPAHALAM

Anti-Piracy Operations & Takedown Services (Monitoring, Enforcement)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Media Technology & Services (Post-Production, VFX, Animation, Streaming Infrastructure)/Rights, Metadata & Content Supply Chain (Avails, Scheduling, DRM/Watermarking)

SECONDARYMPAHAMAC

Piracy Monitoring & Discovery (Web/Social/App Store/UGC Crawling)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Media Technology & Services (Post-Production, VFX, Animation, Streaming Infrastructure)/Media Security & Anti-Piracy Services (Forensic Watermarking, Monitoring)

SECONDARYMPAHAMAE

Leak Detection & Source Attribution (Fingerprint Matching, Subscriber/Partner Tracing)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Media Technology & Services (Post-Production, VFX, Animation, Streaming Infrastructure)/Media Security & Anti-Piracy Services (Forensic Watermarking, Monitoring)

SECONDARYBPAAALAL

IP Protection & Anti-Piracy Operations (Copyright/Trademark takedowns)

Business & Public Services/Administrative & Support Services (BPO, Call Centers, Back Office)/Content Moderation, Trust & Safety Operations

SECONDARYMPADALAK

Anti-Piracy, Content Protection & Enforcement

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Film & Video Production/Distribution/Film/TV Licensing & Rights Management

Keywords

• Anti-piracy services
• Content protection platform
• Digital rights management
• DMCA takedown services
• Piracy monitoring software

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Content Protection Services: End-to-end anti-piracy services including search engine de-listing, tubes & UGC enforcement, app store protection, live streaming takedown, illegal IPTV disruption, and forensic investigation. Revenue generated through recurring service contracts with enterprise clients.
2. AI & Tech Solutions: Custom AI model development, scalable cloud infrastructure, and advanced technology solution development offered as professional services or ongoing subscriptions.
3. Social Media Management: Channel growth strategy, rights optimization, creator economy curation, and social media ads execution services for brands and content owners.
4. Cyber Security Services: Vulnerability auditing, penetration testing, and technical investigations for broadcast infrastructure security.
5. Self-Protection Platform: Self-serve platform allowing customers to select content, sign online, and activate protection in minutes without managed-service engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

RightsHero provides an AI-powered enterprise anti-piracy and digital content protection platform that continuously monitors search engines, video platforms, social media, app stores, IPTV services, and cyberlockers to detect, disrupt, and remove unauthorized distribution of digital content. The platform combines automated crawlers, content fingerprinting, bulk DMCA submission, forensic investigation, and a self-protection dashboard to deliver real-time enforcement with a 92% takedown success rate and verified activity in Google's Transparency Report.

Product overview

RightsHero is an enterprise anti-piracy and digital content protection platform offering a comprehensive suite of 17 distinct services organized into four core categories: Content Protection (including Search Engine De-Listing, Tubes & UGC Web Enforcement, App Store Protection, Live Streaming Disruption, Illegal IPTV Devices & Apps Disruption, Forensic & Technical Investigation, and Pirated Content Monitoring & Analytics), AI & Tech Solutions (Custom AI Model Development, Scalable Cloud Infrastructure, Advanced Technology Solution Development), Social Media Management (Channel Growth Strategy, Rights Optimization, Creator Economy Curation, Social Media Ads Execution), and Cyber Security (Cyber Security Services & Auditing, Vulnerability Auditing, Penetration Testing). The platform is a spin-off from DigiSay Group and operates as an end-to-end AI-powered solution combining continuous monitoring, proactive enforcement, and advanced analytics to detect, disrupt, and remove unauthorized distribution of digital content in real time. The platform's core offering centers on AI-powered, real-time monitoring across search engines, social media, video platforms, app stores, and cyberlockers with automated takedown capabilities and verified removal volumes documented in Google's Transparency Report.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Search Engine De-Listing Automated solution that identifies infringing URLs and submits DMCA takedown requests to major search engines including Google, Bing, and Yahoo at scale with industry-leading success rates. Operates in partnership with search engine platforms leveraging established compliance channels to delist pirated content from search results.
• Tubes & UGC Web Enforcement Real-time monitoring, detection, and takedown of illegally distributed content across all major video platforms including YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, and OK.ru. Uses content fingerprinting technologies and direct platform partnerships to deliver faster takedowns and target cyberlocker sources.
• App Store Protection Comprehensive monitoring and takedown of illicit applications across official marketplaces (Google Play, Apple App Store, Huawei AppGallery) and third-party APK repositories. Identifies apps distributing content without authorization and apps impersonating brands.
• Live Streaming Disruption 24/7 real-time monitoring, detection, and takedown of illegal live streams across social media platforms, IPTV services, streaming websites, Telegram, and m3u playlist files. Operates 365 days a year with the goal of disrupting social media streams within minutes.
• Illegal IPTV Devices & Apps Disruption Dedicated IPTV testing laboratory equipped with over 100+ applications for real-time detection and disruption of illegal content delivery. Targets live channel and VOD distribution, backend IPTV panels and server infrastructure, and pursues takedown of applications from stores.
• Forensic & Technical Investigation Technical forensic analysis to trace origin of leaked content using distribution metadata, watermark data, access logs, and technical artifacts. Builds evidence-based cases supporting enforcement action including civil litigation, criminal referrals, and takedown orders.
• Pirated Content Monitoring & Analytics Comprehensive monitoring and analytics dashboard tracking pirated video content across social media, open web, and specialist piracy platforms. Delivers consumer behavior insights, title-level campaign tracking, and trend analysis for smarter enforcement and distribution strategy.
• Custom AI Model Development Design, training, and deployment of artificial intelligence models built specifically for client use cases including classification, prediction, NLP, or computer vision. Includes data pipeline engineering, model validation, production deployment, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Scalable Cloud Infrastructure Design and deployment of secure, high-performance cloud environments across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Includes auto-scaling capabilities, security and compliance configuration, migration and modernization support, and ongoing cost optimization.
• Advanced Technology Solution Development End-to-end design and implementation of custom technology solutions including web applications, dashboards, automation tools, and internal platforms. Manages full lifecycle from requirements gathering through development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support.
• Channel Growth Strategy Data-driven strategies to grow audiences across multiple platforms. Combines content performance analytics, audience insight, and platform algorithm expertise for tailored growth roadmaps including cross-platform strategy and ongoing performance tracking.
• Rights Optimization Maximizes commercial value of content through effective rights management, licensing opportunity identification, and strategic revenue optimization across platforms and territories. Includes rights landscape mapping and ongoing rights management support.
• Creator Economy Curation Identifies, vets, and manages creator and influencer partnerships aligned with brand and growth objectives. Handles full partnership lifecycle from discovery and outreach through collaboration management and performance tracking.
• Social Media Ads Execution End-to-end management of advertising campaigns across major social media platforms including Meta and TikTok. Covers campaign strategy, creative direction, multi-platform execution, continuous optimization, and transparent performance reporting.
• Cyber Security Services & Auditing Systematic examination of broadcast infrastructure and network systems to identify vulnerabilities that could result in content leaks, hacks, or unauthorized access. Includes penetration testing, content leak risk analysis, and access control review.
• Vulnerability Auditing Comprehensive assessment of networks, applications, and infrastructure combining automated scanning tools with expert manual analysis. Identifies security weaknesses, misconfigurations, and exploitable vulnerabilities with prioritized remediation recommendations.
• Penetration Testing Controlled, authorized security testing that simulates real-world cyberattack techniques against systems, applications, and networks. Includes external and internal testing, web and mobile application testing, social engineering simulation, and detailed findings reporting.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94.0% Removal Success Rate for detected piracy URLs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Google (Transparency Report)coreTechnology or IntegrationRightsHero's removal activity is publicly documented in Google's Transparency Report, providing auditable proof of scale, compliance, and results. The company has processed over 15 million URLs with verified removal activity.
• YouTube (Content ID)coreTechnology or IntegrationRightsHero leverages YouTube's Content ID fingerprinting technology to automatically detect unauthorized uploads the moment they appear, without waiting for manual review.
• Meta (Rights Manager)coreTechnology or IntegrationRightsHero leverages Meta's Rights Manager for content fingerprinting and automated detection of infringing uploads across Meta's platforms.
• Major Video-Sharing PlatformscoreTechnology or IntegrationRightsHero holds direct partnerships with every major video-sharing platform, giving privileged access to enforcement channels that deliver faster and more reliable takedowns.
• DigiSay GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRightsHero is a spin-off company from DigiSay Group, a UAE leading media-tech enabling group based in MENA, founded in 2016. RightsHero has transformed into a prominent media-tech services provider and stands as one of the largest media tech enablers in the MENA region.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pex: Pex provides AI-powered digital content piracy detection and takedown services across video, audio, and image platforms. It directly competes with RightsHero in monitoring, fingerprinting, and automated enforcement for rights holders and streaming platforms.
• Muso: Muso is a global anti-piracy data and protection company providing monitoring, intelligence, and enforcement services for content owners. It competes head-to-head with RightsHero in media piracy detection and takedown operations.
• Friend MTS: Friend MTS specializes in content security, watermarking, and anti-piracy for sports, live events, and OTT streaming. It is a direct peer to RightsHero's live streaming disruption and forensic investigation services.

Broad incumbents

• MarkMonitor (Clarivate): MarkMonitor provides brand protection, anti-piracy, and anti-counterfeiting services for global enterprises. It serves an overlapping customer base with RightsHero, particularly in brand and content protection.
• Irdeto: Irdeto is a long-established content security and platform protection provider offering DRM, watermarking, and anti-piracy solutions to broadcasters and OTT platforms. It addresses the same customers as RightsHero but with a much broader security portfolio.
• Verimatrix: Verimatrix offers content security, anti-piracy, and watermarking solutions for streaming, broadcast, and mobile video. It serves overlapping enterprise customers with a wider portfolio of cybersecurity and DRM offerings.
• NAGRA ( Kudelski Group): NAGRA provides content protection, anti-piracy, and watermarking solutions for pay-TV operators and streaming platforms. It is a broader incumbent serving the same media security buyer personas RightsHero targets.

Emerging players

• Castlabs: Castlabs provides DRM, content security, and forensic watermarking technologies for OTT platforms. It is an emerging player with overlapping capabilities in the same content protection ecosystem as RightsHero.
• Digimarc: Digimarc provides digital watermarking and content identification technology used for anti-piracy and leak attribution. It underpins much of the forensic watermarking RightsHero references in its leak detection capabilities.
• Audible Magic: Audible Magic provides content identification and fingerprinting technology for media companies, social platforms, and rights holders. It overlaps with RightsHero's content fingerprinting and UGC enforcement offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rightshero

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RightsHero