Global Leaders Come Together in Washington to Combat Counterfeit Goods
On September 18, 2025, the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) held its second meeting of the Marketplace Advisory Council (MAC) in Washington, D.C. This significant event saw the participation of major players from various sectors including e-commerce platforms, social media companies, payment processors, and renowned global brands. The primary aim of this meeting was to collaborate across industries to develop effective strategies and solutions in the battle against counterfeit goods.
The MAC, which launched successfully earlier this year, is committed to establishing a high standard of collaboration aimed at combating counterfeiting. Participants have been diligently working together for months to draft best practices that will not only enhance the integrity of online marketplaces but also streamline enforcement efforts, promote transparency, and raise awareness among consumers regarding the risks associated with counterfeit products and pirated content. The gathering in Washington marked a crucial point where these collaborative efforts were aimed to evolve into actionable protocols.
Among the key attendees at the MAC were some of the biggest names in the industry, including the Alibaba Group, Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. Additionally, social media giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) and TikTok were present, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to tackling counterfeiting that extends beyond e-commerce. Financial institutions such as American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa were also part of the council, emphasizing the importance of cutting off financial support to counterfeiters.
The diversity of participants is one of MAC's strongest assets, uniting iconic brands such as Adidas, Apple, Burberry, Chanel, and Nike with various industry associations. This unprecedented collaboration is instrumental in fostering a safer and more reliable digital marketplace. Bob Barchiesi, the President of IACC, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, "The IACC created MAC to break down silos and unite the key players who shape the global digital marketplace." He further noted the essential nature of collaboration between brands, marketplaces, and payment providers to ensure a trusted online ecosystem.
The IACC has long been recognized for its leadership in galvanizing cooperation across different sectors to combat intellectual property theft. The launch of MAC is viewed as a significant step towards collective action against counterfeiting and piracy. With ongoing sessions and discussions, MAC continues to exemplify that a sustained and solution-oriented collaboration is the most effective method to protect consumers and safeguard intellectual property rights.
The initiative recognizes that the rapid growth of e-commerce and digital platforms has made the challenge of counterfeiting more complex. As digital transactions increase, so does the need for robust measures to protect consumers and businesses from fraudulent goods. Consumers are often misled into purchasing counterfeit products, and this not only affects their experience but also the reputation of legitimate brands.
By establishing best practices that can be applied across various industries, the MAC aims to deter counterfeit activity through improved enforcement and increased public awareness. The shared insights gained from this collaborative effort will help in crafting policies and procedures that could potentially set a benchmark for the entire industry.
As the meeting wrapped up, participants expressed optimism about the progress made and the potential impact of their collective actions on the future of e-commerce and consumer protection. The fight against counterfeiting is far from over, but with initiatives like MAC, the commitment from top industry leaders signals a proactive approach to creating a safer digital marketplace for consumers around the globe.
The IACC continues to lead the charge in this critical battle, and their ongoing efforts highlight the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in today's fast-paced digital economy. Through partnerships and shared goals, the fight against counterfeiting can gain momentum, benefiting both consumers and legitimate businesses alike.
The MAC, which launched successfully earlier this year, is committed to establishing a high standard of collaboration aimed at combating counterfeiting. Participants have been diligently working together for months to draft best practices that will not only enhance the integrity of online marketplaces but also streamline enforcement efforts, promote transparency, and raise awareness among consumers regarding the risks associated with counterfeit products and pirated content. The gathering in Washington marked a crucial point where these collaborative efforts were aimed to evolve into actionable protocols.
Among the key attendees at the MAC were some of the biggest names in the industry, including the Alibaba Group, Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. Additionally, social media giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) and TikTok were present, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to tackling counterfeiting that extends beyond e-commerce. Financial institutions such as American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa were also part of the council, emphasizing the importance of cutting off financial support to counterfeiters.
The diversity of participants is one of MAC's strongest assets, uniting iconic brands such as Adidas, Apple, Burberry, Chanel, and Nike with various industry associations. This unprecedented collaboration is instrumental in fostering a safer and more reliable digital marketplace. Bob Barchiesi, the President of IACC, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, "The IACC created MAC to break down silos and unite the key players who shape the global digital marketplace." He further noted the essential nature of collaboration between brands, marketplaces, and payment providers to ensure a trusted online ecosystem.
The IACC has long been recognized for its leadership in galvanizing cooperation across different sectors to combat intellectual property theft. The launch of MAC is viewed as a significant step towards collective action against counterfeiting and piracy. With ongoing sessions and discussions, MAC continues to exemplify that a sustained and solution-oriented collaboration is the most effective method to protect consumers and safeguard intellectual property rights.
The initiative recognizes that the rapid growth of e-commerce and digital platforms has made the challenge of counterfeiting more complex. As digital transactions increase, so does the need for robust measures to protect consumers and businesses from fraudulent goods. Consumers are often misled into purchasing counterfeit products, and this not only affects their experience but also the reputation of legitimate brands.
By establishing best practices that can be applied across various industries, the MAC aims to deter counterfeit activity through improved enforcement and increased public awareness. The shared insights gained from this collaborative effort will help in crafting policies and procedures that could potentially set a benchmark for the entire industry.
As the meeting wrapped up, participants expressed optimism about the progress made and the potential impact of their collective actions on the future of e-commerce and consumer protection. The fight against counterfeiting is far from over, but with initiatives like MAC, the commitment from top industry leaders signals a proactive approach to creating a safer digital marketplace for consumers around the globe.
The IACC continues to lead the charge in this critical battle, and their ongoing efforts highlight the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in today's fast-paced digital economy. Through partnerships and shared goals, the fight against counterfeiting can gain momentum, benefiting both consumers and legitimate businesses alike.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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