China's largest online retailer Taobao, founded by Alibaba, has successfully sued an online shop keeper selling counterfeiting products on its platform.

A court in Shanghai has ordered Yao Ying to pay 120,000 yuan (about 17,800 US dollars) in compensation to Taobao.

The case is said to be the first time an e-commerce platform has successfully sought restitution from one of its online retailers.

Yao Ying had been selling pet food through Taobao since 2015.

After suspicions were raised in May, 2016, Taobao launched its own sting operation, purchasing and testing the suspect product with the help of the cat food brand the retailer claimed he was selling. Tests later revealed the product being sold was fake.

"Yao Ying sold counterfeit goods on Taobao, which not only harms the legitimate rights and interests of the relevant owner of the goods, but also reduces consumer confidence in Taobao and damages Taobao's public image," said Lu Weimin, President of the people's Court of Fengxian District in Shanghai.

Alibaba says it believes this case will help Taobao as it continues cracking down on online counterfeit products.