Birkenstock is widely counterfeited in this country. They said enough and went to court

German brand Birkenstock has filed a lawsuit in India, accusing local manufacturers of producing and selling counterfeits of its iconic sandals.

The Indian court reacted quickly, ordering inspections of suspected factories.

According to Reuters, in May this year, German brand Birkenstock filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court alleging infringement of intellectual property rights . The defendants? Four shoe retailers, four local factories and two individuals who allegedly manufactured and sold counterfeits of the iconic sandals.

White Birkenstock Flip-Flops / Shutterstock

Although a few decades ago Birkenstocks were mainly associated with orthopedic footwear , today they are considered a design icon. The German brand with over 250 years of history has created a product that combines comfort with aesthetics and, as you can see, inspires not only designers but also counterfeiters .

India – on the one hand a huge sales market, on the other – a source of numerous infringements of intellectual property rights. According to the lawsuit filed in Delhi , counterfeit Birkens were manufactured in the vicinity of the city of Agra, known for the Taj Mahal and a developed footwear industry.

According to Birkenstock representatives, counterfeit products not only damage the brand's reputation, but can also threaten the health of consumers because they do not meet quality standards.

Reuters reports that Birkenstock presented the court with photos of the imitations , which are almost indistinguishable from the originals.

In response to the lawsuit, an Indian court has appointed lawyers to conduct inspections of suspected manufacturing facilities . The visits have been completed and reports have been sent to a judge, although they remain sealed, according to anonymous sources. The next hearing is scheduled for October 6.

Justice Saurabh Banerjee, while justifying the decision to carry out the raids, said that "the differences between the fakes and the originals are barely perceptible

"with the naked eye."