Amazon’s report on March 25 (local time) regarding measures against counterfeit goods and malicious sellers should be highly regarded as a significant step in the field of intellectual property protection.
Firstly, the identification, seizure, and disposal of over 7 million counterfeit items in 2023 highlight the company’s ongoing crackdown efforts. The removal of such a large number of counterfeit products from the market not only protects consumers but also maintains the trustworthiness of legitimate brands.
Moreover, Amazon has successfully blocked the creation of new seller accounts by malicious actors using advanced technology. The evolution of document forgery detection and image/video authentication technology is an essential element in the fight against counterfeits, and the achievement of blocking over 700,000 malicious activities is highly significant.
Particularly noteworthy is the use of machine learning models employing computer vision and large language models. This has improved the ability to detect visual intellectual property infringements, such as logos, and allowed for efficient and accurate large-scale processing, directly resulting in a more than 30% reduction in the total number of valid infringement notices submitted by brands.
Additionally, the activities of the Counterfeit Crimes Unit, established in 2020, should not be overlooked. By tracking down 21,000 fraudulent sellers and strengthening law enforcement through lawsuits and criminal referrals, this approach directly targets the roots of counterfeit operations. Notably, the cooperation with Chinese law enforcement agencies has led to cross-border raids, numerous detentions, and criminal convictions, serving as a successful example of international counterfeit measures.
As part of consumer education, events like the Unreal Campaign Challenge, in partnership with the International Trademark Association and DECA, are also important. These initiatives help consumers recognize the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods and increase awareness to avoid buying them.
Amazon’s efforts serve as a model in the field of intellectual property protection. The use of advanced technology and international cooperation by companies to combat counterfeits indicates the future direction of intellectual property protection. While tackling counterfeit products is never easy, the proactive measures by large companies like Amazon are expected to ensure the protection of intellectual property and the safety of consumers.
These are my thoughts on Amazon’s report on its anti-counterfeit measures. I look forward to hearing your opinions and comments.
