ROCB Europe Explores Collaboration with Alibaba Group on Intellectual Property Protection in E-Commerce

In February 2025, the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) Europe held a strategic meeting with representatives of Alibaba Group at the company’s Milan headquarters, focusing on cooperation in the field of intellectual property (IP) protection in the context of e-commerce. The discussion, attended by Mr. Claudio Bergonzi, Global Director for Intellectual Property Protection at Alibaba, explored how customs administrations and major digital platforms can jointly address the growing threat of counterfeit goods in international trade. Alibaba Group presented its global approach to safeguarding IP rights, highlighting the use of artificial intelligence for risk analysis, product monitoring, and the detection of potential IP infringements across its platforms. The session covered key areas such as the use of AI-powered digital tools, cooperation between customs and the private sector, and mechanisms for effective information exchange to support enforcement. Discussions also touched on legal frameworks and the broader economic impact of counterfeit trade. Both parties expressed a strong interest in expanding collaboration, including the joint organization of future capacity-building activities. In particular, ROCB Europe and Alibaba considered the possibility of co-hosting an international conference in Baku, focused on IP rights protection in digital trade, the use of emerging technologies in enforcement, and the importance of public–private partnerships. This engagement highlights ROCB Europe’s commitment to fostering innovation and cooperation in the fight against counterfeiting. By partnering with leading e-commerce stakeholders such as Alibaba, ROCB Europe aims to strengthen customs capacities across the WCO Europe Region and promote secure, fair, and responsible e-commerce environments.