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Alibaba Group’s cross-border marketplace AliExpress is turning up the heat in its fight against counterfeit activities in South Korea, part of a wider effort by national authorities to protect consumers.
The platform, a subsidiary of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group (AIDC), and the Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency (KOIPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday reaffirming the parties’ mutual dedication to combatting counterfeits.
KOIPA President Kim Yong-sun met with Alibaba International Vice President and Head of Global IP Enforcement Matthew Bassiur to sign the agreement during the annual International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition conference in Florida.
“This agreement is significant in that it establishes a voluntary and effective cooperation system with e-commerce companies like Alibaba International and AliExpress Korea to collaborate in preventing the distribution of counterfeit products in the rapidly increasing online market,” Kim said in a statement.
As the popularity of e-commerce grows, it will be paramount for platforms and regulators to focus on providing consumers with authentic goods and a safe online experience.
The latest MoU will encourage greater cooperation between AliExpress and KOIPA, strengthening proactive anti-counterfeiting measures including seller sanctions against counterfeiters and website suspensions.
“AliExpress Korea is pleased to take a leading role in IP protection by continuing Alibaba’s longstanding cooperation with KOIPA,” said AliExpress Korea Director Representative Ray Zhang in a statement.
