Birkenstock cracks down on fakes in India, court-ordered factory visits held

6/7/2025 16:07

Indian court-appointed legal representatives inspected small-scale factories in recent weeks to seize suspected counterfeit Birkenstock footwear, after the German brand launched an infringement lawsuit, people familiar with the matter said.



Birkenstock's case is occurring around the same time other shoemakers are in the news in India. Crocs this month secured a court nod to pursue a nine-year-old infringement case, while Prada is facing heat over showcasing sandals similar to ethnic Indian footwear without initially giving credit to India.



Reuters is first to report the Indian case details related to Birkenstock sandals, which have evolved from a counterculture symbol to a trendy fashion item, and are also popular in India.



In May, Birkenstock filed an infringement lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against four footwear traders, four factories and two unnamed individuals. Its complaint stated an internal investigation found counterfeits were being made in rural areas in and around the tourist hub of Agra, and sold locally and exported to other countries.