After Prada controversy, LIDCOM and LIDKAR reaffirm possession of Kolhapuri Chappal GI Tag

Days after the Prada controversy about Kolhapuri chappals, and after a enterprise physique from Maharashtra engaged in dialogue with Prada, Maharashtra-based LIDCOM and Karnataka-based LIDKAR have reaffirmed their possession of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kolhapuri chappals. “No particular person or group apart from us is allowed to have interaction in any dialogue, negotiation, or illustration with Prada or related worldwide entities,” a press launch issued collectively on Friday (August 1, 2025) by LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar and LIDKAR Managing Director Okay.M. Vasundhara said.

“The conventional and historic Kolhapuri chappal, originating from Maharashtra and Karnataka, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The formally registered possession of this GI tag rests solely with two companies—Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Limited (LIDCOM) and Dr. Babu Jagjivanram Leather Industries Development Corporation Limited (LIDKAR)—as clarified by the Managing Directors of each entities,” it said.

Kolhapuri chappals, which acquired royal patronage within the twentieth century underneath Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, have been made within the erstwhile province underneath the king. Today, these elements of the sooner province are unfold throughout eight districts. Four of them are in Maharashtra, and 4 in Karnataka. The custom of the chappals dates again to the twelfth century saint custom.

In June 2025, the famend Italian vogue model Prada offered its Spring/Summer 2026 males’s assortment.

“Observers famous that the leather-based sandals worn by a mannequin on this present bore a placing resemblance to the GI-tagged conventional Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra. This resemblance sparked robust reactions on social media platforms and amongst conventional artisan communities. Following the incident, a bunch of attorneys filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) within the Bombay High Court, alleging that Prada’s use of a design protected underneath GI registration constituted a violation of mental property legal guidelines. On July 16, 2025, the court docket dismissed the PIL, stating that in such issues, solely the registered GI holders—particularly, the leather-based business improvement companies of Maharashtra and Karnataka—are the respectable stakeholders and therefore, solely entitled to provoke any civil authorized proceedings,” the press launch stated.

They stated that their collective mission goes past defending the geographical indication. “It can be geared toward safeguarding the rights of 1000’s of native leather-based artisans and firmly establishing this heritage on nationwide and worldwide platforms.”