Economy
Court Bans Lidl from Selling Birkenstock Sandal Imitations
A Dutch court has ordered Lidl to cease sales of imitations of Birkenstock sandals, including the Arizona, Madrid, Gizeh, Boston, and Florida models, ruling that the supermarket chain infringed on Birkenstock’s protected footbed design. Lidl must pay a daily penalty of 5,000 euros for non-compliance, provide sales data to Birkenstock, and cover damages and legal costs, with specific amounts to be determined later. This decision follows similar rulings against retailer Scapino in November 2025 and aligns with a December 2025 European court precedent affirming copyright protection for creative commercial designs. Birkenstock described the verdict as a clear signal that counterfeiters cannot exploit creativity and innovation.
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