🔹 India’s Kolhapuri Chappals & the Global GI Tag Challenge: A Wake-Up Call for Indigenous Heritage

India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals, recognized under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, are at the center of a new controversy. Luxury fashion giant Prada recently showcased footwear strikingly similar to Kolhapuri chappals — but without acknowledging their Indian origin or the GI protection.

This raises critical concerns about:

✅ The violation of GI tags, which are essential for preserving traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.

✅ The need for global respect and legal enforcement of India’s GI rights under the WTO-compliant GI Act.

✅ Ensuring communities producing these goods get their rightful recognition and economic benefits.

Under the GI Act of 1999, misuse of a GI can attract both civil and criminal penalties, but enforcement remains challenging internationally.

🟢 This incident is a reminder: protecting our cultural assets requires not just national laws, but global awareness and collaboration.

How do you think India can better protect and promote its GI-tagged products on the world stage? Let’s discuss! 👇

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