What Happened In The Prada vs. Kolhapuri Chappal Controversy?

Italian fashion house, Prada, is under fire after their 2026 men's Summer/Spring collection unveiled during Milan fashion week. They displayed sandals which looked similar to Kolhapuri chappals, which are GI protected under the TRIPS agreement. Kolhapuri chappals received their GI tag in the year 2019 under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Prada has listed the same on their website for around 1.2 lakh rupees and listed them as "leather sandals". Although Prada has admitted that their products were influenced by the traditional Kolhapuri Chappals, the issue remains whether any legal violation has occurred.

WHAT IS A GI?

A GI (Geographical Indication) refers to a sign that states that a product originates from a specific geographical location and contains specific qualities, characteristics and reputation due to its origin in that region. These products may refer to foodstuffs grown or produced in a certain way, wines