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2026-09-26 07:13 UTC → 2026-09-28 14:54 UTC ·
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A Dutch court The District Court of Gelderland in Arnhem has ruled that ordered the discount supermarket chain Lidl must to immediately cease selling copycat versions five models of Birkenstock sandals in the Netherlands. The court determined that Lidl infringed infringe upon Birkenstock’s trademarked ‘footbed design’ across several specific models, including copyrights. The ruling specifically targets products mimicking the Arizona, Madrid, Gizeh, Boston, and Florida styles. styles, finding that Lidl violated protections related to the characteristic design of the footbed. As part of the ruling, injunction, Lidl faces a fine penalty of €5,000 per day for non-compliance and every day the disputed products remain on sale. The retailer is also required to provide Birkenstock with detailed sales and order data for the disputed products. The retailer items and must also compensate Birkenstock the footwear brand for legal fees damages and damages, legal costs, with specific amounts to be determined in subsequent separate proceedings. Birkenstock stated expressed satisfaction with the judgment sends verdict, stating it serves as a message signal that copycats should not be allowed to manufacturers cannot ‘free-ride on [our] Birkenstock’s creativity and innovation.’ The decision follows aligns with a December 2025 European Union ruling by the Court of Justice ruling suggesting of the European Union, which affirmed that everyday commercial products may receive industrial designs can qualify for copyright protection if they result from creative design decisions. represent an author’s own intellectual creation. Lidl maintains the right to appeal the decision.