IACC justifies Alibaba inclusion as big-name brands walk away

11/05/2016
The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), a Washington DC-based organisation devoted to combatting product counterfeiting and piracy, has defended its decision to include Chinese online shopping site Alibaba as a member, despite losing a number of high-profile members in protest.

Michael Kors and Gucci have walked away form the group, with fashion media quoting the US brand as referring to Alibaba as “dangerous and damaging adversaries”.

In response, the IACC issued a statement saying: “The IACC stands by its collaborative approach and is committed to lean into the future and lead a coalition of the willing. The problem of counterfeiting is too pervasive and complex for any single company or industry to combat on its own.”

It said Alibaba’s application for membership was “unanimously approved” by the IACC’s board of directors based on a “demonstrated commitment and concrete results” to take action against selles of counterfeit goods.