Youa.baidu.com, the Internet shopping platform launched by search engine Baidu.com, has announced the first batch of 15 stores that have been closed because they were selling counterfeit branded clothing.

This move is a part of Baidu's special action called Spring Thunder, which will last from February 17 until March 31, 2009. During this period, Youa.baidu.com will publish the list of the punished sellers in its online forum each day. This special action targets sellers who violate the regulations of the platform and sell fake goods to consumers. Once the website gains proof about the selling of fake goods, the sellers will be listed on a credit blacklist and when the number or value of the sold fake goods accumulates to a certain amount, these sellers will be eliminated from Youa.baidu.com permanently.

A representative from Youa.baidu.com told local media that since the platform has been launched, its trading volume continues to increase and the number of its registered sellers reached 100,000 when it was just opened for 20 days. To protect the interests and rights of consumers, the website plans to seek the opportunity to fight irregular sellers any chance it gets.

The representative says the goal of this special action is to maintain a good shopping environment and to promote the fair, just and open competition among online shop owners. In the future, the company will impose quick and harsh punishments to sellers who sell fake goods. At the same time, it will call for the support of consumers to report the irregular activities. Bring on the Spring Thunder!