The list identifies 42 online markets and 35 physical
markets that are reported to engage in or facilitate substantial trademark
counterfeiting or copyright piracy.
"This includes identifying for the first time
AliExpress and the WeChat e-commerce ecosystem, two significant China-based
online markets that reportedly facilitate substantial trademark
counterfeiting," the USTR office said in a statement.
China-based online markets Baidu Wangpan, DHGate, Pinduoduo,
and Taobao also continue to be part of the list, along with nine physical
markets located within China "that are known for the manufacture,
distribution, and sale of counterfeit goods," the USTR office said.
Alibaba said it will continue working with government
agencies to address concerns in intellectual property protection across its
platforms.
Tencent said it strongly disagreed with the decision and was
"committed to working collaboratively to resolve this matter". It
added it actively monitored, deterred and acted upon violations across its
platforms and had invested significant resources into intellectual property
rights protection.
Inclusion on the list is a blow to the reputation of
companies but carries no direct penalties.
Industry bodies including the American Apparel and Footwear
Association (AAFA) and the Motion Picture Association welcomed the release of
the report by the USTR.
The USTR office said in a separate report released on
Wednesday the United States needs to pursue new strategies and update its
domestic trade tools to deal with China's "state-led, non-market policies
and practices."
The United States and China have been engaged in trade
tensions for years over issues like tariffs, technology and intellectual
property, among others.
The United States has said China had failed to make good on
some commitments under a so-called "Phase 1" trade agreement signed
by the administration of former President Donald Trump. - Reuters
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