Watermarking is a technique used to embed a visible or invisible marker into digital content—such as images, videos, and documents—to indicate ownership, authenticity, or copyright protection. This process helps prevent unauthorized use, plagiarism, and intellectual property theft by ensuring that the original creator’s identity remains associated with the content.

Watermarking is widely used in digital asset protection and document security. Businesses apply watermarks to sensitive files, such as contracts and confidential reports, to deter unauthorized distribution. Similarly, photographers and content creators use watermarking to protect creative work from being stolen or misused online. In cloud storage, watermarking can be integrated into document collaboration and sharing workflows, ensuring that files remain traceable while maintaining their integrity.

Cloud-based services enhance automated watermarking, allowing users to apply, manage, and modify watermarks dynamically without altering the original file. This adds an extra layer of security and helps organizations track digital assets more efficiently, ensuring compliance with copyright and brand protection policies.