Delhi High Court orders crackdown on counterfeit Birkenstock sandals

The Delhi High Court has ordered an extensive crackdown on the manufacture and sale of counterfeit sandals imitating the global footwear brand Birkenstock’s iconic products, directing raids and seizures at multiple locations across the country.

The court also passed an interim order restraining several firms from producing or distributing fake ‘Birkenstock’ sandals, after the German shoe manufacturer alleged a network of manufacturers and sellers based in rural areas around Agra, Uttar Pradesh, were engaged in large-scale production of counterfeit goods.

Birkenstock informed the court that it was alerted in March 2025 about the manufacture and sale of imitation products. The company subsequently engaged independent third-party investigators to identify key players involved in the production and distribution of the counterfeit goods. The investigation reportedly uncovered multiple counterfeit production units.

It was further revealed during the investigation that counterfeit products bearing Birkenstock’s design were being supplied to various markets across India, including Ghaffar Market, Karol Bagh, and Tilak Nagar in New Delhi, and were even being exported to other countries.

Investigators obtained photographic evidence from some of the manufacturing and retail premises, showing imitation products bearing the company’s trademarks, packaging, and the distinctive shape and design of Birkenstock footwear.

The court, in its May 26 order, observed that the counterfeit goods “seem like a cheap knock off” and bore a “striking resemblance” to Birkenstock’s original products, thereby “creating a strong likelihood of deception and confusion among consumers.”

The court further noted: “There is all likelihood of the public getting deceived and confused into thinking that the counterfeit products are in some way associated with the original products.”

Accordingly, the court issued a John Doe order, restraining all individuals—including those not named in the suit—from manufacturing, storing, or selling any products similar to Birkenstock’s.

To implement the order, the court appointed Local Commissioners with broad powers to visit premises, seize, pack, and seal all infringing products. In cases where premises were found locked, the Commissioners were authorised to break open the locks in the presence of police officers.