A Dutch court has ruled that discount supermarket chain Lidl must cease selling 'copycat' versions of Birkenstock's sandals in the Netherlands. The ruling states that Lidl faces a fine of €5,000 (£4,200) per day if it does not comply.
The court found that Lidl infringed on Birkenstock's trademark "footbed design", specifically concerning its versions of the Arizona, Madrid, Gizeh, Boston, and Florida models. Lidl is also required to provide sales data to Birkenstock and compensate the company for damages and legal fees, with these amounts to be determined in separate court decisions.
Birkenstock stated that the judgement sends a clear message that "copycats must not be allowed to free-ride on [our] creativity and innovation". The ruling can still be appealed.