Latest news with #PAnbalagan
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Prada bows to massive online backlash! Italian brand forced to credit Kolhapuri chappal designs; legal options being mulled in India
The Kolhapuri chappals received GI designation on December 11, 2018. Prada, the Italian high-end fashion brand, has confirmed that their upcoming Spring Summer 2026 menswear line incorporated designs influenced by Kolhapuri chappals, addressing the controversy that caused significant displeasure in India and sparked discussions about cultural appropriation. The leather sandal with open toes presented by Prada shows striking similarities to the heritage leather footwear that artisans have crafted for generations in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The reaction comes following social media criticism and official pressure regarding the failure to credit Indian craftsmen and cultural legacy of the design at the Milan event. Responding to ET's enquiry, the organisation emphasised its dedication to celebrating artisanal expertise, legacy and design customs. The company reportedly said: "Prada acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India, were featured in its Men's 2026 Spring Summer show in Milan. We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bring home all new SP125 & get an instant cashback up to ₹5000# Honda Learn More Undo We are in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry &Agriculture on this topic." Legal Action Against Prada? According to the financial daily's report, the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), which shares geographical indication (GI) certification for Kolhapuri chappals with Karnataka's LIDKAR, is considering legal measures. The Kolhapuri chappals received GI designation on December 11, 2018, including eight districts—four each in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The craft industry's substantial size contrasts with merely 95 artisans registered as authorised GI users. "There is a lack of awareness about what GI registration offers," noted an official from the state's industries department. Also Read | Pulse, the Re 1 candy, now a multi-crore revenue generator! How DS Group aims to make it a Rs 1,000 crore brand Although registered proprietors (LIDCOM and LIDKAR) and authorised users have legal rights to initiate proceedings within India's borders, GI marks currently lack international legal safeguards. Maharashtra's industry department has engaged in talks with LIDCOM, according to industry secretary P Anbalagan. A senior LIDCOM representative was quoted in the report as saying, "We are in the process of making some decisions, and legal recourse will certainly be involved." The official added, "Since the company is based in Italy, we are evaluating the legal options available in this situation. If required, LIDCOM will approach the appropriate channel through India's ministry of commerce." A Maharashtra government official said: "Prima facie, a vendor should not be using GI-registered name, logo, or invoicing product under GI identity". Legal specialists indicate that India's Geographical Indication regulations safeguard registered products from unauthorised commercial usage of their names or implied origins, but not from design imitation. IP lawyer Priyanka Khimani says that proprietors can enhance protection by securing trademark registration for their name/logo in foreign jurisdictions. Also Read | 'Biggest risk of my life': Mukesh Ambani says even if Reliance Jio would have failed, it would have been 'worth it'; told board 'in worst case…' "Borrowing the style without using the GI name in trade does not necessarily violate GI provisions," Khimani 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." Nevertheless, Khimani highlighted the ethical considerations. "There is a responsibility on international fashion houses to acknowledge the cultural heritage they borrow from. It would be meaningful for both brands and artisans if there was transparent commercial collaboration and due credit." Organisations such as Nabard provide assistance in post-GI registration activities, including artisan enrolment and marketing seminars, whilst state-level implementation can facilitate these results. Khimani suggests that GI-registered proprietors could enhance their global protection by registering associated marks and names as trademarks internationally. For instance, the Tea Board has secured trademark/certification trademark registrations for marks related to 'Darjeeling Tea' in various nations. 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
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Prada in soup after lifting Kolhapuri chappal designs, forced to credit India after huge backlash
Italian luxury fashion house Prada has acknowledged that its recent Spring Summer 2026 menswear collection featured sandals inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, its first public response to a controversy that sparked outrage in India and reignited a conversation on what many saw as cultural appropriation. In response to an ET query, the company said it celebrates craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions. "Prada acknowledges that sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear made in specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India, were featured in its Men's 2026 Spring Summer show in Milan. We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft. We are in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic." The response comes amid backlash on social media and mounting pressure from authorities for failing to acknowledge the Indian artisans and heritage behind the design during the Milan show. Maharashtra's state-run leather development corporation is weighing action. The Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), which jointly holds the geographical indication (GI) rights for Kolhapuri chappals with Karnataka's LIDKAR, is evaluating legal options. Maharashtra's industry department is also involved in discussions with LIDCOM, said industry secretary P Anbalagan. "We are in the process of making some decisions, and legal recourse will certainly be involved," a senior LIDCOM official told ET. "Since the company is based in Italy, we are evaluating the legal options available in this situation. If required, LIDCOM will approach the appropriate channel through India's ministry of commerce." The controversial open-toed leather sandal showcased by Prada bears a close resemblance to the traditional leather footwear handcrafted for generations in Maharashtra and Karnataka. While registered proprietors (LIDCOM and LIDKAR) and authorised users are entitled under Indian law to institute legal proceedings within India, cross-border legal protection is presently not available for GI marks. Ethical Implications Proprietors can increase protection by registering the name/logo as a trademark in other jurisdictions, said IP lawyer Priyanka Khimani. A Maharashtra government official said: "Prima facie, a vendor should not be using GI-registered name, logo, or invoicing product under GI identity". Kolhapuri chappals were granted GI status on December 11, 2018, covering eight districts-four each in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Despite the scale of the craft industry, only 95 artisans have registered as authorised GI users. "There is a lack of awareness about what GI registration offers," said the official who works with the state's industries department. Legal experts said 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 Khimani. "Unless Prada markets or sells these sandals using the word 'Kolhapuri' or implies a link to Kolhapur's craftsmanship, there is no legal recourse." However, Khimani said the ethical implications are clear. "There is a responsibility on international fashion houses to acknowledge the cultural heritage they borrow from. It would be meaningful for both brands and artisans if there was transparent commercial collaboration and due credit." Institutions like Nabard offer support and in post-GI registration activities such as artisan enrollment and marketing workshops; state-level follow-through can help achieve these outcomes. Khimani says GI-registered proprietors could bolster global protections by registering associated marks and names as trademarks overseas. In the case of 'Darjeeling Tea', the Tea Board has registered marks relating to the GI in various countries as a trademark/certification trademark.
Fibre2Fashion
18-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
India's Maharashtra inks MoU to build industrial, logistics parks
India's Maharashtra state recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Blackstone Group's subsidiaries, XSIIO Logistics Parks and Horizon Industrial Parks, which will bring in ₹5,127 crore (~$599 million) worth foreign direct investment (FDI) and create 27,510 jobs. Signed between state industries secretary P Anbalagan and president of Horizon Industrial Parks R K Narayanan, the MoU aims at developing over 10 modern logistics and industrial parks across the state's key industrial and multimodal logistics hubs, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. India's Maharashtra state has signed an MoU with Blackstone Group's subsidiaries, XSIIO Logistics Parks and Horizon Industrial Parks, which will bring in $599 million worth FDI and create 27,510 jobs. The MoU aims at developing over 10 modern logistics and industrial parks across key industrial and multimodal logistics hubs, including Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Chakan, Sinnar and Panvel. These logistics parks will be developed in key locations, including Nagpur, Bhiwandi (Thane district), Chakan (Pune), Sinnar (Nashik) and Panvel (Raigad). The parks will be aligned with the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024, and will feature green, digitally-enabled infrastructure focused on sustainable development and job creation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the collaboration will set up a robust foundation for manufacturing, warehousing and supply chain excellence in India. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Blackstone to invest Rs 5,127 crore in state; 27,510 jobs on cards
In a major boost to Maharashtra's industrial infrastructure, the state government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global investment firm Blackstone Group for the development of over 10 logistics and industrial parks across key locations in the state. The deal, worth Rs 5,127 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI), is expected to create around 27,510 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The MoU was signed between the state's principal secretary of Industries, Dr P Anbalagan, and R K Narayanan, president of Horizon Industrial Parks — a Blackstone entity — at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. The ceremony was held in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Senior government officials including Principal Secretary to the CM Ashwini Bhide, MIDC CEO P Velarasu, and Blackstone's top leadership — including Tuhin Parikh, Alok Jain, and Ashish Agarwal — were also present. According to officials, the parks will be developed on 794.2 acres of land, with a total built-up area of 1.85 crore sq ft. The facilities will come up in locations such as Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Chakan, Khandwa, Sinnar, and Panvel — regions that are fast emerging as strategic logistics and industrial corridors. 'These projects are aligned with the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024 and will focus on sustainable, tech-enabled infrastructure that boosts employment and economic growth,' the government said in a statement. Speaking at the event, Fadnavis termed the agreement 'transformative' and said it would help create global-standard industrial and logistics hubs in Maharashtra. 'This initiative strengthens the backbone of India's manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem and reflects our commitment to making Maharashtra the preferred destination for investment,' he said. The government added that the proposed parks will be environment-friendly and include digital infrastructure to improve efficiency and connectivity in the state's logistics sector.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Maharashtra govt inks pact with Blackstone Group for Rs 5,127 cr FDI; to create over 27,500 jobs
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Blackstone Group 's subsidiaries, XSIIO Logistics Parks and Horizon Industrial Parks , which will bring Rs 5,127 crore FDI and create 27,510 jobs, officials said. The MoU was signed at the Sahyadri Guest House between Industries Secretary Dr P Anbalagan and president of Horizon Industrial Parks R K Narayanan. This MoU aims to develop modern logistics and industrial parks across Maharashtra's key industrial and multimodal logistics hubs, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. As per the agreement, over 10 modern industrial and logistics parks will be developed on 794.2 acres of land, with construction planned on 1.85 cr square feet land. The projects are expected to bring in foreign direct investment (FDI) of Rs 5,127 crore and will generate approximately 27,510 direct and indirect employment opportunities , it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Explore 18 Outrageously Stunning Hotel Pools You Won't Believe Are Real! Learn More Undo These logistics parks will be developed in key locations, including Nagpur, Bhiwandi (Thane district), Chakan (Pune), Sinnar (Nashik) and Panvel (Raigad). The parks will be aligned with the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024, and will feature green, digitally-enabled infrastructure focused on sustainable development and job creation. Calling it a transformative partnership, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "This collaboration is a step toward developing world-class, environmental-social-and-governance (ESG)-compliant industrial and logistics hubs in cities like Nagpur, Mumbai and Pune. It will establish a robust foundation for manufacturing, warehousing and supply chain excellence in India." Live Events Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, CM's Principal Secretary Ashwini Bhide, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) CEO P Velarasu, Deputy Secretary Lakshmikant Dhoke, Senior Managing Director of Blackstone Advisors Pvt Ltd Tuhin Parikh, Managing Director of Blackstone Advisors Pvt Ltd Alok Jain, and Managing Director of XSIIO Logistics Parks Ashish Agarwal were present on the occasion.
