Lidl must cease selling copycat versions of Birkenstock's sandals in the Netherlands, according to a ruling by a Dutch court. The court has imposed a fine of €5,000 (£4,200) per day for non-compliance and ordered Lidl to provide sales data to Birkenstock. Additionally, Lidl is required to compensate Birkenstock and cover its legal fees, with the specific amounts to be determined in future court decisions.
Birkenstock stated that the ruling sends a clear message against allowing copycats to benefit from its creativity and innovation. The decision prohibits Lidl from selling its imitation versions of Birkenstock's Arizona, Madrid, Gizeh, Boston, and Florida models, as the court found that Lidl infringed on the brand's trademark footbed design. This ruling can still be appealed.
This case follows a series of legal actions regarding Birkenstock designs. In November 2025, a Dutch court prohibited retailer Scapino from selling similar lookalikes, a decision that is currently under appeal. Furthermore, in December 2025, Europe's highest court ruled that everyday commercial products could hold copyright if they reflect creative design choices, a ruling that Birkenstock believes is pertinent to its sandals.
However, Birkenstock encountered a setback in early 2025 when Germany's highest court ruled that the sandals were practical products rather than artistic works, which Birkenstock described as a missed opportunity. Following the recent ruling, Birkenstock affirmed its commitment to vigorously defend its rights and utilize all legal avenues to combat imitations of its products. The company emphasized its intention to protect its retail partners and consumers from copycats profiting from its creative ideas.
Birkenstock is not alone in facing challenges from mass retailers regarding design imitation. Other footwear brands, such as Dr. Martens, have taken legal action against big-box sellers over boot designs, while luxury brand Christian Louboutin has engaged in extensive litigation to protect its signature red soles from high-street imitations.