Alibaba founder Jack Ma (Photo : Getty Images)
Jack Ma snubbed a conference after the group behind the said event cancelled the membership of his e-commerce empire, Alibaba, in an anti-counterfeiting organization.
In a statement, Jennifer Kuperman, Alibaba's head of international corporate communications, said that the e-commerce giant "feels it best that Jack Ma postpone his appearance" amid membership issues.
The decision to exclude Alibaba from the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), according to Kuperman, is a "step in the wrong direction and regrettable."
"Alibaba has had a zero-tolerance policy toward counterfeit goods," said Kuperman. "We are leading a constructive and collaborative approach to anti-counterfeiting that involves working closely with all brands, regardless of our standing with the IACC."
"Unfortunately, those who pressured the IACC on this decision prefer a confrontational approach: pitting brands against Alibaba and other industry participants in the hopes of prolonged litigation," added Kuperman.
On April 13, Alibaba announced its membership to the IACC in a bid to combat fake goods, as well as forge relationships with global brands. The membership made Alibaba the first e-commerce group to join the prestigious non-profit anti-counterfeiting organization.
However, many raised their eyebrows over the entrance of the Chinese group. Among those who criticized the IACC for admitting Alibaba to the trade organization are Michael Kors, Longchamp and Tiffany & Co.
Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. said that Alibaba joining the IACC allows "cover to our most dangerous and damaging adversary," reported The Wall Street Journal.
Weeks after the uproar from global brands, IACC announced the suspension of Alibaba's membership.
But the main reason behind the decision that was cited by the group was conflict of interest involving Robert Barchiesi, president of the IACC.
According to the Associated Press, "Barchiesi had stock in Alibaba, had close ties to an Alibaba executive and had used family members to help run the coalition."
The IACC, in a letter to the AP, said that the board members had no prior knowledge about the conflicts "because of a weakness in our corporate governance procedures."
Meanwhile, Alibaba president Michael Evans stood in place of Ma at the conference, which was held in Orlando, Florida, on May 19.
