On November 19, 2020, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s key investigative branch and 23 other federal agencies officially recognized Alibaba Group for its efforts to combat IP theft and safeguard consumers.

“We are proud to recognize the company’s unwavering commitment in protecting intellectual property rights and consumer health and safety,” said IPR Center Director Steve Francis, noting Alibaba is the only non-American marketplace to win an award.

Alibaba Vice President and Head of Global IP Enforcement Matthew Bassiur stressed the global nature of IP protection, noting Alibaba collaborates with external stakeholders, including other award recipients, “because it’s the right thing to do, regardless of borders.”

“We know who the bad guys are, and when we work together, we are a heck of a lot stronger than when we work siloed,” Bassiur said.

Earlier this year, DHS and the IPR Center acknowledged Alibaba’s contributions in combating fraud and other illegal activities related to Covid-19.

Alibaba is among 25 companies and entities working since April with the IPR Center to “effectively disrupt and dismantle Covid-19 criminal networks and strengthen global supply-chain security,” according to a press release. Homeland Security said the collaboration also aimed to strengthen global supply-chain security and protect the American public.

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