AliExpress takes on bicycle counterfeiting in China

In an effort to crack down on counterfeiters on its platform, AliExpress teamed up with US cycling brand Specialized on an operation that netted $1.6m in trademark-infringing goods.

The two companies collaborated with Chinese law enforcement on the operation, which took place earlier this year and reportedly resulted in two major China-based counterfeiting networks being shut down.

Seven people were arrested and prosecuted in connection with the counterfeiting, with $1.1m worth of Specialized Tarmac SL8 road racing frames, Roval handlebars and wheels taken out of circulation, along with seat posts, forks and 9,500 sticker sets. Falsified versions of products sold by Pinarello, Cannondale, Cervelo, and Trek were also intercepted.

Morgan Hill, California-based Specialized is known for designing and manufacturing high-performance bikes, and that has made it a target for counterfeiters seeking to cash in on its good reputation.

That has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump's tariffs, which have forced the company and other US manufacturers to raise prices, widening the gap between genuine and knockoff parts.

AliExpress said the fake items often bypass stringent quality and safety standards, which could endanger users, whilst also undermining consumer trust in the products. It also said Specialized had tested counterfeit cycling helmets and frames and found that they failed safety standards, "sometimes catastrophically."

"Safeguarding consumers and upholding brand trust are core to our platform's integrity," said Matthew Bassiur, h of the global IP enforcement team at AliExpress parent Alibaba.

"While we swiftly remove infringing listings from our marketplace, lasting impact requires dismantling physical operations through close partnerships with brands and law enforcement," he added. "This case is a prime example of that approach."

Top image: Specialized