Birkenstock Raids Counterfeit Factories in India

German footwear brand Birkenstock initiated a major legal crackdown on counterfeit sandals in India after discovering fake products manufactured in rural areas near Agra and New Delhi and distributed both locally and internationally. In May, Birkenstock filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against multiple traders, factories, and unnamed individuals. Justice Saurabh Banerjee issued a confidential court order appointing ten local lawyers as court commissioners to carry out surprise inspections and seize, pack, and seal suspected counterfeit goods. The judge noted a strong likelihood of consumer deception, emphasizing that the fake sandals were nearly indistinguishable from authentic Birkenstock products. The raids have been completed, and confidential reports have been submitted to the court, with the next hearing set for October 6. This action occurs alongside similar intellectual property enforcement efforts involving other global brands such as Crocs and Prada in India's expanding fashion market.