Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 10:03am on 04 Jul 2025,Friday Business
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed on July 2 by IP advocate Ganesh S. Hingemire in the Bombay High Court against Prada Group and Prada India Fashion Pvt Ltd, accusing them of unauthorised commercial use of GI‑tagged Kolhapuri chappals in their Spring/Summer 2026 “toe‑ring sandals” showcased on June 22 in Milan. The plea demands a public apology, injunction, and damages, highlighting misrepresentation, cultural misappropriation, and economic harm to Maharashtra’s artisan community. Though Prada acknowledged the sandals were “inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear,” the petitioners argue the response was inadequate, lacking formal recognition to artisans, GI registry, or public. The court has yet to schedule the hearing. (PC: Pinterest)
