Birkenstock steps up fight against counterfeits in India

An Indian court has ordered surprise inspections at small factories in and around Agra and New Delhi after German footwear maker Birkenstock alleged in a lawsuit that counterfeit versions of its sandals were being manufactured and sold locally and overseas, Reuters reported.

The Delhi high court issued a confidential order on 26 May, which was later made public, after Birkenstock’s internal investigation found lookalike sandals being produced in rural areas and sold both in India and abroad.

The court authorized immediate action against suspected counterfeiters, appointing ten local lawyers as court commissioners with instructions to “seize, pack and seal the infringing products.”

Photographs submitted by the company showed what it claimed were fake sandals and packaging using its branding.

The court-ordered inspections have been completed and confidential reports filed, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The next hearing in the case is set for 6 October.

This is the third recent instance of global footwear brands pursuing legal action in India.

Crocs recently received court approval to advance a long-standing infringement case, while Prada faced criticism for showcasing sandals resembling traditional Indian footwear without crediting India.

Birkenstock, long popular among tech workers and medical professionals, gained renewed visibility when Margot Robbie wore pink Birkenstocks in the final scene of the 2023 film Barbie.

The company floated a successful IPO in October 2023, raising more than $1.48 billion at a valuation of $8.64 billion.

Earlier this year, however, a German court dismissed a separate lawsuit filed by the company, ruling that Birkenstock sandals do not qualify as art and are not protected by copyright.