Birkenstock has taken legal action in India against counterfeit manufacturers after court-ordered inspections identified factories producing near-identical knockoffs of its popular sandals.
At a Glance
- In May, Birkenstock filed an infringement suit in the Delhi High Court against four traders, four factories, and two unidentified individuals.
- The court appointed ten lawyers as commissioners to inspect suspected factories in Agra and New Delhi, seizing counterfeit products.
- Reports show the fake sandals were nearly indistinguishable from genuine Birkenstocks and were sold locally and exported.
- The next court hearing is scheduled for October 6, 2025.
- This crackdown takes place amid similar legal moves by Crocs and Prada in India.
Court Inspections Reveal Alarming Knockoffs
According to Reuters, Birkenstock’s internal probe uncovered extensive counterfeit production near Agra. On May 26, Delhi judge Saurabh Banerjee appointed ten lawyers to inspect the workshops and seal fake products—orders that were recently executed, with confidential reports submitted to the court. The judge noted the copies were so convincing that “the public [is] likely to be deceived.”
Videos reviewed by investigators showed exact replicas being made and distributed in Indian and international markets, prompting urgent intervention by Birkenstock’s legal team.
Watch an explainer: Birkenstock goes toe‑to‑toe against counterfeiters
Broader Counterfeit Crackdown
The case mirrors similar legal pushes in India. Crocs recently secured court permission to escalate a nine-year infringement suit, while Prada is defending design IP for a sandal resembling local Indian footwear.
Enforcement is challenging in India’s informal sector, especially with decentralized production hubs like those near Agra—long seen as hotspots for copycat manufacturing.
Brand Popularity and Legal Stakes
Birkenstock’s visibility surged globally after Margot Robbie donned the brand in Barbie. In India, pairs range from $46 to $233. Though a German court recently denied copyright protections for the iconic design, Birkenstock is aggressively pursuing overseas infringement cases, using civil channels where criminal IP enforcement remains slow.
With the next hearing scheduled for October 6, 2025, the Delhi High Court will determine if final injunctions or financial penalties will be levied—potentially setting a new precedent for global fashion IP enforcement in India.
