UpdateAlibaba presses on in crackdown on fake goods after suspension from anti-counterfeiting group
Alibaba Group will continue to crack down on counterfeit goods despite its suspension from the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition last week.
Describing counterfeiting as a “complex, industry-wide” issue, the internet giant that owns China’s biggest online shopping platform vowed to continue to work with brands, governments and industry partners in combating knock-offs, whether or not it was a member of the global body.
The membership suspension would “not affect the formulation and implementation of our policies”, said Alibaba, which owns the South China Morning Post, adding that it would continue to protect the interests of international brands.
Xu Chunming, deputy head of Shanghai University’s Intellectual Property Institute, said Alibaba faced a long fight in combating counterfeits.
“Generally speaking, Chinese citizens and companies have yet to improve their awareness in respecting and protecting intellectual property… and technically, there’s a difficulty for Alibaba in stopping the sale of fake goods as it serves as a platform for sellers instead of as a manufacturer or seller,” he said.