Birkenstock Vs The Fakes: German Brand Drags Fake Sellers To Court In India; Details Inside

German footwear giant Birkenstock has launched a major legal offensive in India to curb the production and distribution of counterfeit versions of its iconic sandals. In a decisive step to protect its intellectual property rights, the company filed a civil suit in the Delhi High Court earlier this year, targeting multiple traders and manufacturers believed to be involved in replicating and distributing fake Birkenstock products across India and abroad.

Acting on a confidential order issued by Justice Saurabh Banerjee on May 26. made public only recently ten court-appointed lawyers were deployed to inspect factories and trading hubs suspected of dealing in counterfeits. These raids, conducted across Agra and New Delhi, led to the confiscation of several imitation products bearing close resemblance to Birkenstock’s original designs, according to a Reuters report citing sources.

“The differences, hardly if any, are not something which can be discernable to the naked eyes,” the judge observed, raising serious concerns over potential customer deception. The court also authorised the seizure of such goods pending further proceedings, the report added.

Rising Tensions Over Global Imitation

Birkenstock’s legal action comes amid heightened scrutiny of brand protection and cultural respect in the global fashion industry. Just days before, Crocs was granted court approval to continue pursuing a long-running infringement case, while luxury brand Prada drew criticism for releasing footwear similar to traditional Indian styles without appropriate cultural acknowledgment.

In its lawsuit, Birkenstock named four local factories, four footwear traders, and two unnamed individuals as defendants, claiming that imitation sandals were being distributed both domestically and in international markets. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters that inspection reports have now been submitted confidentially to the court, and the next hearing is scheduled for October 6, 2025.

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Birkenstock’s Market Evolution

Once a niche brand associated with alternative lifestyles and healthcare professionals, Birkenstock saw a pop culture revival following the release of the 2023 Barbie film, where actress Margot Robbie famously wore a pair of pink Birkenstocks. In India, the brand positions its women's range as a premium product, with prices ranging from Rs 3,950 to over Rs 20,000.

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