Imagine spending months developing a best-selling product, only to find competitors copying and selling it on Alibaba's platforms. What can you do? Don't panic—Alibaba Group offers the Intellectual Property Protection (IPP) Platform to help safeguard your rights. The first step is learning how to register an account and complete identity verification. Here's your comprehensive guide to navigating the IPP Platform.
IPP Platform: A Safety Net for Cross-Border E-Commerce
Intellectual property infringement remains a persistent challenge in cross-border e-commerce. Product designs, brand logos, original images, and text descriptions frequently fall victim to unauthorized copying. Recognizing the importance of IP protection, Alibaba launched the IPP Platform as an efficient channel for rights holders to file complaints and request takedowns of infringing products.
Step 1: Registering an IPP Platform Account
To begin using the IPP Platform, you'll need to create an account through these simple steps:
- Access the IPP Platform: Enter the official IPP Platform URL in your browser
- Enter and verify your email: Provide a valid, frequently used email address and complete the verification process. This email will receive important notifications and account activation messages.
- Check your verification email: After successful verification, the system will send a confirmation email. Open this message and click the "Complete" button to finalize email confirmation.
- Set your password: After email confirmation, you'll be redirected to create a secure password. Choose a strong password and store it securely for future logins.
If you already have an Alibaba.com or AliExpress.com account, you can log in to the IPP Platform directly without new registration. Simply click the "Login" button in the top right corner and select "Aliexpress/Alibaba.com Account Login."
If you don't receive the verification email, check your spam folder or select "Can't receive email?" for assistance.
Step 2: Completing Identity Verification
After registration, you must complete identity verification to ensure Alibaba can properly process your complaints. The verification process varies by account type:
- Mainland China individuals: Use the Taobao app to complete real-name authentication via facial recognition—the fastest verification method.
- Individuals outside Mainland China: Upload scanned copies or digital photos of government-issued identification (passport, driver's license, or ID card). Ensure documents are clear and legible.
- Business entities: Submit scanned copies or clear photographs of business registration certificates, incorporation documents, or equivalent proof of legal existence. Chinese companies must affix their official seal; international companies must provide valid business registration certificates.
The complainant's name/company name must exactly match the information on the identity documents. Discrepancies may result in rejected complaints.
Alibaba only discloses your name/company name and contact email to the alleged infringer. Ensure your contact email remains active and monitored.
Maintain updated contact information (phone number, address) with Alibaba to facilitate communication regarding your cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I register an IPP account as an individual but file complaints on behalf of my company?
A: No. The complainant must match the intellectual property rights holder. If the IP belongs to a company, you must register and file complaints using the company account.
Q: Do non-Chinese/English identity documents require translation?
A: For documents in other languages, we recommend submitting notarized translations to facilitate Alibaba's review process.
Q: Can I correct errors in my account information?
A: Some details like contact information can be updated directly. For critical changes (name/company name, identity documents), contact Alibaba customer service.
Conclusion
In the competitive world of cross-border e-commerce, intellectual property protection is essential. Registering with Alibaba's IPP Platform and completing identity verification marks the first step toward securing your rights. With this guide, you're now equipped to navigate the registration process confidently—an important investment in protecting your business's future.