Jack Ma cancels speech after row with anti-counterfeiting group

At least 3 members quit in protest over Alibaba's recent membership


Jack Ma, chairman of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has canceled a speech at an anti-counterfeiting conference in the United States after the trade group behind it suspended the e-commerce giant's recently gained membership.


Alibaba has been dogged for years by accusations that its online shopping platforms were conduits for counterfeiters and critics say it has not done nearly enough to stop the problem.


At least three members of the Washington-based International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, including board member Tiffany & Co, quit the group in protest and others threatened to leave after Alibaba was admitted as a member in April.


On Friday, the IACC suspended the new category in which Alibaba was admitted, effectively terminating its membership.


"Given the IACC's desire for additional time to reflect upon the viability of its general membership category, Alibaba feels it best that Jack Ma postpone his appearance," Jennifer Kuperman, head of international corporate communications, said in a statement.


Alibaba Group President Michael Evans will speak at the conference in Orlando, Florida instead.


Kuperman reiterated Alibaba's stance that it is "firmly committed to the protection of intellectual property rights and combating counterfeits".


The article transsshipment from China Daily