Latest news with #LIDCOM
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Kareena Kapoor Khan flaunts her Kolhapur footwear, takes a dig at luxury brand Prada in new post: 'Sorry not Prada but...'
In their official statement, the brand was quoted saying, '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.' read more Luxury brand Prada was under social media scrutiny after the footwear they unveiled at their Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan was inspired by the Kolhapuri chappals designed by Indian artisans and craftsmen. And the fashion brand failed to give them their due credit. These footwears are primarily designed in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. In their official statement, the brand was quoted saying, '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.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid the controversy, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor took a dig at Prada in her new Instagram story where she flaunted her Kolhapur footwear. What next for Prada? Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), which shares geographical indication (GI) certification for Kolhapuri chappals with Karnataka's LIDKAR, is taking the legal route after the blunder on the brand's part. Say no to Botox Shefali Jariwala's untimely death has left the industry and media members shocked. As per reports, the 42-year-old star was taking anti-ageing treatment. After her demise, the debate of whether these drugs should be taken or not heated up on social media. Amid this, Kareena Kapoor's statement, where she spoke against botox treatment, grabbed eyeballs on social media. 'I am against Botox. I am for natural remedies and self-defence to stay healthy, feel good. Self-defence also means protecting yourself and your talent… because this is my weapon,' said Kareena while talking to Barkha Dutt. 'This means defending myself and my talent, because it is my biggest weapon. Instead of going under the needle and knife, a better way to protect yourself is to take a vacation and spend quality time with your friends and family,' she added.


Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Prada Looks to Put Best (Kolhapuri) Foot Forward
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in Epaper Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Prada could well partner with Indian artisans if it were to decide to produce and commercialise its Kolhapuri chappal-inspired line of men's sandals, the Italian luxury house said. A spokesperson for Prada Group said it 'is already in the process of setting up next steps with the relevant parties and supply chain in the event the sandals were to be commercialised. In fact, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced.'Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, said a team is being appointed by the global brand to interact with local artisans in India. 'We're working toward an outcome where the brand commercialises the product with the involvement of these artisans,' he said. 'Now that they have acknowledged this is our craftsmanship, they've also stated they will discuss the next steps with us before proceeding with commercialisation.'Prada has formally acknowledged that sandals featured at its recent Men's Spring-Summer 2026 fashion show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, as ET reported on Saturday. Group corporate social responsibility head Lorenzo Bertelli had written to Gandhi for this.'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 other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' he wrote. 'Prada strives to pay homage and recognise the value of such specialised craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage.'The letter was in response to Gandhi's midweek communication calling for acknowledgment and ethical collaboration over the use of traditional Kolhapuri slipper designs. ET has seen a copy of these had showcased leather sandals bearing a strong resemblance to the iconic Kolhapuris, sparking widespread backlash in India and reigniting conversations on cultural appropriation in global Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) jointly holds the geographical indication (GI) rights to Kolhapuri slippers with Karnataka's is evaluating legal options following Prada's use.A senior LIDCOM official said that the development body has written to the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, which is expected to take the issue to the ministry of commerce and industry.'Whoever used the Kolhapuri chappal should seek our permission. This is a reputational loss for us,' the official to intellectual property rights lawyer Priyanka Khimani, Prada's acknowledgement of being inspired by 'Indian handcrafted footwear,' and its intent to collaborate with and pay homage to our craftsmen—should it commercially exploit the sandals in the future—was a positive Indian GI laws protect the name and implied origin of registered products, they do not cover design mimicry.'Unless Prada markets or sells these sandals using the word 'Kolhapuri,' or suggests a link to Kolhapur's craftsmanship, there is no legal recourse,' Khimani further legal protection is currently not available for GI tags. Proprietors can increase protection by registering the name or logo as a trademark in other Kolhapuri chappal received GI status in 2018. Yet only 95 artisans have registered as authorised users, owing to low awareness of GI benefits among craftsmen.


Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Prada looks to put the best (Kolhapuri) foot forward, signals artisan tie-up for sandals amid IP concerns
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Mumbai: Prada could well partner with Indian artisans if it were to decide to produce and commercialise its Kolhapuri chappal-inspired line of men's sandals, the Italian luxury house said. A spokesperson for Prada Group said it 'is already in the process of setting up next steps with the relevant parties and supply chain in the event the sandals were to be commercialised. In fact, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced.'Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce , Industry and Agriculture, said a team is being appointed by the global brand to interact with local artisans in India. 'We're working toward an outcome where the brand commercialises the product with the involvement of these artisans,' he said. 'Now that they have acknowledged this is our craftsmanship, they've also stated they will discuss the next steps with us before proceeding with commercialisation.'Prada has formally acknowledged that sandals featured at its recent Men's Spring-Summer 2026 fashion show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, as ET reported on Saturday. Group corporate social responsibility head Lorenzo Bertelli had written to Gandhi for this.'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 other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' he wrote. 'Prada strives to pay homage and recognise the value of such specialised craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage.'The letter was in response to Gandhi's midweek communication calling for acknowledgment and ethical collaboration over the use of traditional Kolhapuri slipper designs. ET has seen a copy of these had showcased leather sandals bearing a strong resemblance to the iconic Kolhapuris, sparking widespread backlash in India and reigniting conversations on cultural appropriation in global Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation ( LIDCOM ) jointly holds the geographical indication (GI) rights to Kolhapuri slippers with Karnataka's is evaluating legal options following Prada's use.A senior LIDCOM official said that the development body has written to the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, which is expected to take the issue to the ministry of commerce and industry.'Whoever used the Kolhapuri chappal should seek our permission. This is a reputational loss for us,' the official to intellectual property rights lawyer Priyanka Khimani, Prada's acknowledgement of being inspired by 'Indian handcrafted footwear,' and its intent to collaborate with and pay homage to our craftsmen—should it commercially exploit the sandals in the future—was a positive Indian GI laws protect the name and implied origin of registered products, they do not cover design mimicry.'Unless Prada markets or sells these sandals using the word 'Kolhapuri,' or suggests a link to Kolhapur's craftsmanship, there is no legal recourse,' Khimani further legal protection is currently not available for GI tags. Proprietors can increase protection by registering the name or logo as a trademark in other Kolhapuri chappal received GI status in 2018. Yet only 95 artisans have registered as authorised users, owing to low awareness of GI benefits among craftsmen.


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


Economic Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Prada in soup after lifting Kolhapuri chappal designs, forced to credit India after huge backlash
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Ethical Implications 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 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 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 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 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 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.