Latest news with #GI
Time of India
4 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
4 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
5 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."
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Sadhana Samavesha: Development works worth ₹2,578 crore launched in Mysuru
Development works worth ₹2,578 crore — including the inauguration of several schemes and the laying of foundation stones for others in Mysuru district — were launched at the 'Sadhana Samavesha' held here on Saturday. The programme aimed to highlight the Congress government's achievements and send a message to its critics and the Opposition, who had claimed that the government lacked funds for development works, with all its money being spent on the implementation of guarantee schemes. At the mega event held at the Maharaja College ground in the city, which was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjuna Kharge among others, a large number of people were present to witness the launch and unveiling of foundation stones for various projects. In response to the demand for a spacious bus stand, a foundation stone was laid for a new bus terminal at Bannimantap, to be made at a cost of ₹120 crore. Designed on the model of the Mysuru Palace, the bus stand is expected to ease congestion and bring convenience to commuters. A Unity Mall, which provides space for the display of special products, including items with GI tag, has been earmarked to be constructed on the premises of the Exhibition Grounds at a cost of ₹192.99 crore. While it is a Central project, the land is being provided by the State government. The work will be implemented by the Karnataka Small Industries Development Corporation Limited. A foundation stone was also laid for works at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, which is estimated to cost ₹23.59 crore. The works include the development of a new block, installation of water fountains, improvement of infrastructure on the premises, and construction of a floating dragon boating pond. Another major project will be undertaken by the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited, involving the laying ofunderground power cables in the city at a cost of ₹408.95 crore. White-topping of key roads in Mysuru will also be taken up at a cost of ₹393.85 crore by the Public Works Department. Further, hostels for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste community are coming up in Krishnaraja, Chamaraja, Narasimharaja, Chamundeshwari, and Nanjangud constituencies at a cost of ₹502.41 crore. These works, too, are being implemented by the Public Works Department (PWD). Four projects under the Swachh Bharat Mission-2, one project for implementing civic works, and two other projects related to water distribution and underground drainage (UGD) were also launched. These are estimated to cost around ₹380.84 crore and are being implemented by the Mysuru City Corporation. The Department of Water Resources has taken up works estimated to cost around ₹419.86 crore, with a majority of those to be implemented in Periyapatna, K.R. Nagar, H.D. Kote, and Nanjangud taluks.
New Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Tea points across Karnataka to promote Indi lemons
VIJAYAPURA: With an objective of popularising lemons in the district which has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, the Karnataka Lime Development Board is taking major steps to promote its unique flavour and health benefits across the state by setting up of Lemon Tea Points. It also plans to give franchise to others to popularise the lemons of Vijayapura, which is the highest lemon growing district in the State. The initiative, which began with the launch of a lemon tea point in Indi town, has received an encouraging response, prompting the board to expand the concept state-wide. Vijayapura district is the largest producer of lemons in Karnataka, with Indi taluk alone accounting for over 50 percent of the state's lemon production. One of the key promotional strategies involves setting up lemon tea stalls at various public events, including agricultural fairs and flower exhibitions, to raise awareness about the quality of Indi lemons. Pickles made from the lemons have also been introduced, with around 200 kilograms already sold through the Indi stall. The pickles received notable demand during the recent Bengaluru Flower Show. 'The Lemon Tea Point initiative has taken off well in Indi, and we are planning to replicate it across Karnataka, including in Bengaluru, Dakshin Kannada, and Udupi in the next two months,' said Yashwantraigoud Patil, MLA from Indi. 'Our goal is to make Indi lemon a globally recognised brand. By launching tea points and promoting products like lemon pickle, we are showcasing the superior quality of lemons from Indi to a wider audience,' said H S Patil, In-charge Managing Director of the Board.
