US says China’s Baidu, Taobao markets for piracy

BEIJING (AP) — The U.S. government has labeled China’s top search engine, Baidu, and a leading e-commerce outlet “notorious markets” linked to sales of pirated and fake goods.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s report Monday said Baidu links to websites that sell goods that might be counterfeits or unauthorized copies. It said Taobao, part of online commerce giant Alibaba Group, offered counterfeit or pirated items.

The announcement could add to pressure on China, widely seen as a major source of product piracy.

The U.S. report said Taobao was making “significant efforts” to improve conditions. Its parent company, Alibaba, said last month two executives resigned to take responsibility after a probe found suppliers had defrauded customers.