Latest news with #LIDKAR
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Prada-Kolhapuri row: Luxury giant denies GI breach in Rs 500 crore legal dispute; calls them 'simple leather sandals'
NEW DELHI: Luxury fashion house Prada has denied violating the Geographical Indication (GI) rights associated with Kolhapuri chappals, after featuring sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection in Milan. In response to a Rs 500 crore legal notice, Prada's legal team said it did not use the term 'Kolhapuri' or any related GI markings in the naming, marketing, or display of its sandals, ET reported. The notice was issued by LIDKAR, a government-backed body from Karnataka that co-owns the GI tag for Kolhapuri chappals. The notice claimed serious violations of GI rights, accusing Prada of "selling, advertising, marketing GI-registered goods-traditional and handmade leather sandals, granted GI tag under the name 'Kolhapuri chappals' jointly for artisans from Karnataka and Maharashtra-without proper authorisation or permission, which seriously violates GI rights of my client, which attracts civil and criminal offences". Prada's formal response dated July 9, stated the sandals were simply described as "leather sandals" and did not suggest any regional origin or adherence to traditional Kolhapuri techniques. "The sandals in question are broadly described as 'leather sandals' and there has been no suggestion, direct or indirect, that they originate from the GI-designated region or replicate the traditional Kolhapuri manufacturing technique," it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo In a previous statement to ET on June 27, Prada had acknowledged drawing inspiration from Indian footwear but denied using the Kolhapuri name or methods. The company stated that it "acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka were featured in its men's 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan". Indian GI legislation specialists said that design inspiration alone does not constitute infringement without explicit commercial use of the name or origin. "Borrowing the style without using the GI name in trade does not necessarily violate GI provisions," Priyanka Khimani, founder of an IP law firm told ET. "Unless Prada markets or sells these sandals using the word 'Kolhapuri' or implies a link to Kolhapur's craftsmanship, there is no legal recourse," Khimani added. LIDKAR authorities are currently assessing Prada's legal statement. Prada's legal representatives emphasised that the brand avoided using 'Kolhapuri' in any product-related communications. The fashion show occurred on June 22. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sole searching: Who represents Kolhapuri slippers? Turf war breaks out
A turf war has broken out over the authority to represent the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Kolhapuri slippers, amid the Prada spotlight. While one party has proposed collaboration with the Italian luxury fashion house, the other has threatened legal action and demanded damages. After showcasing a Kolhapuri-inspired sandal without acknowledging the source, Prada later admitted its oversight. It discussed the matter with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) and later, sent its supply chain team to India to explore a potential collaboration with local artisans. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management MBA Finance Public Policy Degree Project Management healthcare Product Management Leadership Data Science Cybersecurity Data Science Artificial Intelligence PGDM Design Thinking MCA others Technology Data Analytics Others CXO Management Digital Marketing Healthcare Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details However, the Karnataka government-backed Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR) approached the corporation's legal adviser to take action against MACCIA, accusing it of overstepping its authority in dealing with Prada, according to a copy of the letter seen by ET. A legal notice will be sent on Monday to the trade body, according to a senior official. Strong Stance The Karnataka body, on July 1, also served a legal notice to Prada, seeking ?500 crore in damages for GI infringement and ordering the company to 'cease and desist' from marketing or selling the sandals. The notice warned that failure to comply would compel LIDKAR to initiate civil and criminal proceedings. ET has seen a copy of the notice. In its response on July 9, Prada stated it had 'not used the term 'Kolhapuri' or any associated GI markings in the naming, marketing, or presentation of its footwear.' The company concluded the note by saying it was in discussions with MACCIA and would be 'in a better position to respond more substantively following the outcome of the upcoming discussions with the chamber of commerce.' Live Events LIDKAR managing director KM Vasundhara said the body has also issued notice to the chamber 'for their unilateral and unauthorised actions concerning the GI rights.' The body's stance is clear, she said. 'Any discussions regarding GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals must follow the legal framework and cannot be initiated independently by non-statutory bodies like MACCIA. Hence, legal recourse was taken to protect the interests of artisans and uphold GI laws.' This escalation is the latest in a series of confrontations between the trade chamber and the two GI tag holders— LIDKAR and Maharashtra's Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM). While MACCIA has taken the lead in engaging with Prada, including facilitating the brand's India visit, LIDKAR adopted the legal route. The chamber first wrote to Prada on June 25, setting the wheels in motion for the brand's visit to Kolhapur, where it toured production units and met with footwear artisans. But three days before MACCIA's virtual meeting with the international brand on July 11, the Karnataka body issued a notice, demanding it stop all negotiations and asserting MACCIA had 'no legal authority to represent, negotiate, or enter any agreement with Prada or any third party concerning Kolhapuri chappals, which are GI-protected under Indian law,' and for the chamber to 'refrain from all public and private negotiations, promotional activities, or discussions regarding Kolhapuri chappals,' according to a copy of the letter ET has seen. In its response on July 12, MACCIA proposed that both GI tag holders be 'formally introduced to the international brand as recognised producers and authorised stakeholders of the GI product,' and urged LIDKAR to reconsider its stance and 'join hands with MACCIA and the wider artisan community to collectively shape a framework that protects heritage while opening doors to responsible international engagement.' Prada's team has toured several local units with MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi—including one operated by LIDCOM—but senior officials from both GI tag holders were notably absent. Gandhi said the trade body's goal is 'empowerment of artisans and to get the market for Kolhapuri chappals at global level.' Prada is expected to provide its evaluation report internally and respond to the Maharashtra chamber next week.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Prada denies Kolhapuri GI violation in Rs 500 crore legal row
Prada has denied any infringement of the Geographical Indication (GI) for Kolhapuri chappals by featuring sandals inspired by the iconic traditional footwear at its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection. Responding to a legal notice, Prada's legal team said it has not used the term 'Kolhapuri' nor any associated GI markings in the naming, marketing, or presentation of its footwear at the menswear show held in Milan on June 22. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Project Management Management Design Thinking Technology CXO Finance Product Management Others Data Science Cybersecurity MCA Degree Public Policy others PGDM Data Science Healthcare Data Analytics healthcare Digital Marketing Leadership MBA Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details The legal notice was issued by Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (LIDKAR), the government-backed body from Karnataka that holds joint ownership of the GI for Kolhapuri chappals. Sent on July 1, the notice accused Prada of "selling, advertising, marketing GI-registered goods-traditional and handmade leather sandals, granted GI tag under the name 'Kolhapuri chappals' jointly for artisans from Karnataka and Maharashtra-without proper authorisation or permission, which seriously violates GI rights of my client, which attracts civil and criminal offences". Live Events The notice sought ₹500 crore in damages. But in a formal reply dated July 9, Prada rejected the charge. "The sandals in question are broadly described as 'leather sandals' and there has been no suggestion, direct or indirect, that they originate from the GI-designated region or replicate the traditional Kolhapuri manufacturing technique," it said. In a carefully worded emailed response to ET on June 27, Prada had admitted to being inspired by traditional Indian footwear. It had said that it "acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka were featured in its men's 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan". However, it said it did not use the term Kolhapuri or refer to using the same manufacturing techniques. ET reached out to Prada for comment on their legal response but did not receive a reply until press time. LIDKAR officials said they were evaluating a response to Prada. Legal experts say India's GI laws protect against unauthorised commercial use of a registered product's name or implied origin but not design mimicry alone. "Borrowing the style without using the GI name in trade does not necessarily violate GI provisions," said Priyanka Khimani, founder of an IP law firm. "Unless Prada markets or sells these sandals using the word 'Kolhapuri' or implies a link to Kolhapur's craftsmanship, there is no legal recourse."
Hans India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Should not neglect craftsmen, Priyank Kharge posts on social media
Bengaluru: Luxury Italian fashion house Prada has come under fire for showcasing the iconic Kolhapuri chappal — traditionally crafted by generations of artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka — without properly crediting its cultural roots. Reports recently claimed that Prada planned to sell the rebranded leather sandals for as much as ₹1.2 lakh a pair, sparking widespread outrage online. Highlighting this controversy, Karnataka's Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge took to social media to remind the public that thousands of skilled artisans from Karnataka have played a crucial role in keeping the Kolhapuri craft alive for centuries. Kharge cautioned that while Maharashtra is widely associated with the Kolhapuri chappal, large numbers of artisans from Belagavi, Bagalkot, Athani, Nipani, Chikkodi, Raybag and surrounding regions in Karnataka have also preserved this tradition through generations. He recalled that when he served as Social Welfare Minister, Maharashtra had attempted to claim the sole Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Kolhapuri chappal. Karnataka had strongly opposed this through LIDKAR, its Leather Industries Development Corporation, ultimately winning a joint GI tag for four districts each in both states. 'Artisans should never be neglected,' Kharge wrote. 'A GI tag alone is not enough. Cultural entrepreneurship, branding, design innovation, and global market access are essential for their survival and prosperity. They deserve not just credit but fair prices, a wider market, and a life of dignity.' The row erupted after Kolhapuri-style sandals were featured by male models at Prada's Spring-Summer 2026 fashion show in Paris. Many pointed out that the sandals strongly resembled the traditional handcrafted footwear sold for decades in local markets across Maharashtra and the fashion label, which initially did not acknowledge the craft's Indian roots, faced backlash for what many see as cultural appropriation without credit or benefit to the original artisans. After mounting criticism, Prada issued a statement saying the leather sandals were 'inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in certain districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka' and that the company had already reached out to Maharashtra's commerce, industry and agriculture chamber regarding the also denied reports that the sandals would be sold for ₹1.2 lakh, clarifying that the designs showcased in Paris are still in the prototype stage and have not yet been commercially launched. The controversy has reignited discussions about how global fashion brands profit from centuries-old Indian craftsmanship while the original creators often remain invisible and underpaid. Minister Kharge stressed that legal protection through GI tags must be matched with real opportunities — better branding, skill development, and international reach — so that traditional artisans getthe recognition and rewards they deserve in the global luxury market.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Artisans making iconic Kolhapuri chappals should not be sidelined: Minister Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru, Following a controversy over Italian luxury brand Prada's use of footwear closely resembling Kolhapuri chappals, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge emphasised that the names, work, and legacy of the state's artisans who craft these iconic chappals should be recognised, not sidelined. Artisans making iconic Kolhapuri chappals should not be sidelined: Minister Priyank Kharge Taking a dig at the brand, he said that Prada is selling what are essentially Kolhapuri chappals for ₹ 1.2 lakh a pair. Taking to 'X' on Sunday, he said that few people know that a large number of the artisans who make these iconic chappals actually live in Karnataka's Athani, Nippani, Chikkodi, Raibag, and other parts of Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Dharwad. "They've been making these chappals for generations, selling them in nearby towns, especially Kolhapur, which became the default market and over time, the brand," he said. Kharge recalled how, when he was the Social Welfare Minister, they saw Maharashtra pushing for sole GI tag rights over Kolhapuris. "Through LIDKAR, we contested this and fought to ensure Karnataka's artisans were not left out. I'm proud to say we succeeded. The GI tag was finally granted jointly to four districts each in Karnataka and Maharashtra. This was never about a contest between the two states but about preserving our shared heritage and giving our artisans the legal recognition they deserve," he said. The Minister expressed that this Prada episode is a reminder that the GI tag recognition alone isn't enough and stressed the importance of Cultural entrepreneurship. "We need to invest in skilling, branding, design innovation, and global market access for these artisans. They don't just deserve credit, they deserve better prices, wider exposure, and the chance to build lasting, dignified livelihoods from their craft," he said. When international fashion houses adopt our designs, the names, work, and legacy of our artisans should be showcased, not sidelined, said Priyank Kharge. "The GI tag only gives them legal rights. It's now our responsibility to give them global platforms," he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
