Latest news with #LIDCOM
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
2 state bodies claim sole right to mediate between Prada, artisans
MUMBAI: In an interesting twist to the Kolhapuri chappal saga, two state government corporations have claimed the exclusive right to hold discussions between international luxury fashion brand Prada and local craftspeople who make the slipper, as they are the official owners of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag assigned to the traditional footwear. The talks for collaborations began after Prada featured footwear inspired by Kolhapuri chappal in Milan Fashion Weak in June. (REUTERS) The development comes amid discussions between Prada and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) about a possible collaboration with local artisans to take the Kolhapuri chappal to global markets. A GI tag, a form of intellectual property, identifies a unique geographic origin for a product, and helps protect the traditional craftsmanship and heritage associated with it. A GI tag was assigned to the Kolhapuri chappal in 2019, with ownership vested in two state corporations – Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd (LIDCOM) and Dr Babu Jagjivanram Leather Industries Development Corporation Limited (LIDKAR). LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar and LIDKAR Managing Director KM Vasundhara, issued a joint statement on Friday, saying, 'LIDCOM and LIDKAR are the officially registered global GI holders of the Kolhapuri chappal. No individual or organisation other than themselves is authorised to engage in any discussion, negotiation, or representation with Prada or similar international entities,' says the statement. In June, the Kolhapuri chappal stole the spotlight on the runway when Prada presented its Men's Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Observers noted that the leather sandals worn by a model in the show bore a striking resemblance to the GI-tagged traditional Kolhapuri slippers from Maharashtra. This sparked strong reactions on social media and among traditional artisan communities. Following the incident, a group of lawyers filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court, alleging that Prada's use of a design protected under GI registration constituted a violation of intellectual property laws. On July 16, the court dismissed the PIL, stating that in such matters, only the registered GI holders – namely, the leather industry development corporations of Maharashtra and Karnataka – are the legitimate stakeholders and hence, solely entitled to initiate any civil legal proceedings. It is against this backdrop that LIDCOM and LIDKAR have together asserted their position as the officially registered global GI holders of the Kolhapuri chappal. This development places the MACCIA in an awkward position as the body had turned the controversy into a possible opportunity for the traditional craftspeople who make these slippers in Kolhapur. A team from Prada has since visited local artisans and discussions are underway, on taking a step forward for the handcrafted chappal. Lalit Gandhi, president of MACCIA, acknowledges that the GI tag rests with these two state corporations but, he clarified, since MACCIA is an independent body working for the benefit of businessmen and manufacturers, no one has the right to prevent it from advocating for the Kolhapuri chappal or the artisans who make it. 'We recognise the GI tag registration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, and have informed Prada of this. Prada has assured that it will follow GI tag norms while dealing with craftsmen who make the Kolhapuri footwear. MACCIA is only a facilitator in this collaboration, and being an independent body has every right to engage in a dialogue with a company like Prada,' said Gandhi.
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
After Prada controversy, LIDCOM and LIDKAR reaffirm ownership of Kolhapuri Chappal GI Tag
Days after the Prada controversy about Kolhapuri chappals, and after a business body from Maharashtra engaged in discussion with Prada, Maharashtra-based LIDCOM and Karnataka-based LIDKAR have reaffirmed their ownership of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kolhapuri chappals. 'No individual or organization other than us is authorized to engage in any discussion, negotiation, or representation with Prada or similar international entities,' a press release issued jointly on Friday (August 1, 2025) by LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar and LIDKAR Managing Director K.M. Vasundhara stated. 'The traditional and historic Kolhapuri chappal, originating from Maharashtra and Karnataka, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The officially registered ownership of this GI tag rests solely with two corporations—Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Limited (LIDCOM) and Dr. Babu Jagjivanram Leather Industries Development Corporation Limited (LIDKAR)—as clarified by the Managing Directors of both entities,' it stated. Kolhapuri chappals, which received royal patronage in the 20th century under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, were made in the erstwhile province under the king. Today, these parts of the earlier province are spread across eight districts. Four of them are in Maharashtra, and four in Karnataka. The tradition of the chappals dates back to the 12th century saint tradition. In June 2025, the renowned Italian fashion brand Prada presented its Spring/Summer 2026 men's collection. 'Observers noted that the leather sandals worn by a model in this show bore a striking resemblance to the GI-tagged traditional Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra. This resemblance sparked strong reactions on social media platforms and among traditional artisan communities. Following the incident, a group of lawyers filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court, alleging that Prada's use of a design protected under GI registration constituted a violation of intellectual property laws. On July 16, 2025, the court dismissed the PIL, stating that in such matters, only the registered GI holders—namely, the leather industry development corporations of Maharashtra and Karnataka—are the legitimate stakeholders and hence, solely entitled to initiate any civil legal proceedings,' the press release said. They said that their collective mission goes beyond protecting the geographical indication. 'It is also aimed at safeguarding the rights of thousands of local leather artisans and firmly establishing this heritage on national and international platforms.'
Indian Express
01-08-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Only LIDCOM, LIDKAR hold legal ownership of Kolhapuri chappal GI tag, say state corporations
Amid the recent controversy over alleged design imitation of Kolhapuri leather sandals by Italian luxury brand Prada, two state-run corporations — LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd, Maharashtra) and LIDKAR (Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd, Karnataka) — have issued a joint statement affirming that they are the only officially registered owners of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kolhapuri chappals. The clarification comes in the wake of social media uproar and legal challenges following Prada's Spring/Summer 2025 menswear collection, showcased in June this year. It was pointed out that leather sandals worn by a model during the show bore striking resemblance to the traditional Kolhapuri chappal — an iconic handcrafted footwear style originating from Maharashtra and Karnataka, and protected under India's GI Act. In response to the alleged imitation, a group of lawyers had filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court, accusing Prada of violating the intellectual property associated with the GI tag. However, in an order dated July 16, 2025, the court dismissed the petition, ruling that only the registered holders of the GI tag — in this case, LIDCOM and LIDKAR — have the legal standing to initiate civil proceedings in such matters. In a joint press release issued after the verdict, LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhatar and LIDKAR Managing Director K M Vasundhara stated that neither individuals nor organisations other than the two corporations have the authority to engage in any legal communication, representation, or dialogue with international entities such as Prada regarding the Kolhapuri chappal. 'The GI tag is not merely a legal certificate — it represents centuries of tradition and craftsmanship,' the release stated. 'Our objective is not only to protect this geographic identity but also to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of thousands of local leather artisans who carry forward this legacy.'
New Indian Express
27-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
After Prada ‘appropriation', Maharashtra to certify authentic Kolhapuri chappals with QR code
KOLHAPUR: The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were "inspired" by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. He encouraged the use of these chappals, helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industry.
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Business Standard
27-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Kolhapuris blend heritage, tech as govt pushes for QR code authenticity
The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. He encouraged the use of these chappals, helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industry. What was once a humble, coarse village slipper, soon became a symbol of swadeshi identity under the royal patronage. To safeguard this cultural legacy and ensure fair recognition for artisans, the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments jointly secured the GI tag in 2019. Under international trade rules such as the TRIPS agreement, this GI status legally reserves the rights to manufacture and market Kolhapuri chappals to artisans from specific districts in both the states. The certification defines the product as handmade, using traditional techniques and natural leather, with open-toe construction, prohibiting the use of synthetic materials or mechanised processes. Going a step further, the LIDCOM has introduced QR-coded certification for each pair of chappals, the corporation said in a statement. This digital initiative aims to tackle counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan or self-help group behind each product, it said. Buyers scanning the code can access details like name and location of the artisan or production unit, district of manufacture in Maharashtra, craft techniques and raw materials used, validity and status of the GI certification. "This initiative not only boosts consumer trust but also strengthens the market position of traditional craftsmen," the LIDCOM said. The corporation is now calling upon consumers, designers and the common public to stand in solidarity with India's indigenous craft traditions. "Kolhapuri chappals are not just fashion accessories. They are a powerful expression of traditional skill, identity and the dignity of small artisan communities," the statement quoted LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar as saying. Founded in 1974, LIDCOM has been a pivotal institution in empowering rural leather artisans. Through training programmes, market development, design innovation and economic support, the organisation has transformed traditional footwear-making into a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and grassroots economy. Kolhapuri chappals have now regained global spotlight, blending heritage with modern relevance. More than just the traditional footwear, they are a symbol of skilled artisanry and indigenous pride. Since 1974, LIDCOM, also known as the Sant Rohidas Charmodyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal, has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this heritage craft, as per the statement. The corporation has empowered thousands of rural artisans by offering skill development training, encouraging innovation, expanding markets and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, it said. On the organisation's vision, Deshbhratar, said, "Kolhapuri chappals are not merely utilitarian items. They embody stories of self-reliance, national pride and a living cultural tradition. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen the hands that preserve this legacy and inspire generations to come." Apart from economic uplift, the corporation is also committed to cultural conservation. It continues to implement a wide range of initiatives -- from developing training centres and empowering self-help groups to building linkages between buyers and suppliers across domestic and international markets -- to ensure the traditional craft survives and thrives in a changing economic landscape, the statement said.
