FAKE GOODS
Punish counterfeiters like drunk drivers, urges Alibaba boss
Hong Kong — Billionaire Alibaba founder Jack Ma wants China’s legislators to come down harder on fake goods — the same plea voiced by global brands that have accused the e-commerce service of harbouring knock-offs. The Alibaba chairman appealed to the National People’s Congress convening in Beijing this week to penalise counterfeiters as harshly as drunk drivers. In an open letter published on his Weibo account on Tuesday, Ma said enforcement had been too lax and the authorities should raise maximum jail sentences and other penalties to deter illegal profiteers. The unusual public entreaty follows persistent criticism that Ma and his company have not done enough to swat copycats. In a major embarrassment, Alibaba was again labelled a "notorious market" last year by the US Office of the Trade Representative — just four years after shedding the label. The trade list includes torrent website Pirate Bay and flea markets from Brazil to Nigeria. "We need to fight counterfeits the same way...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.