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.
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”.
The notice sought Rs 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.”
