Masks meant to protect people against infection by the coronavirus have evolved from plain and simple face coverings. They’re now a fashion accessory – one can now buy masks with designs on them and even those that go with one’s attire.
Now that masks have become ubiquitous, can fakes be far behind?
The market now has masks that unauthorisedly use the logos and trademarks of companies such as Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Swiggy and Amul and characters from the Marvel and Disney universe. Some companies are taking this copyright infringement seriously.
Tommy Hilfiger has filed cases in the Delhi High Court against two Tamil Nadu manufacturers for printing its brand-name and logos on masks. The US fashion retailer received an ad-interim injunction from the court on June 9. Tommy Hilfiger declined to comment on the case.
German sportswear brand Adidas said it has not launched any face mask in India.
“Counterfeiting is a significant issue faced by retail brands here and this derails the complete value chain for customers looking for authentic, high-quality products from established brands like Adidas,” said Manish Sapra, senior marketing director for Adidas India.
Online food delivery company Swiggy said it is considering enrolling vendors to supply Swiggy-branded masks for use by its delivery partners in select cities.
“Any unauthorised reproduction of our brand name or logo is certainly a trademark infringement,” a Swiggy spokesperson said. “Appropriate action will be taken against any infringers.”
RS Sodhi, MD of Amul, said that more than a dozen small manufacturers have approached the Gujarat-based dairy products company with offers to sell it masks with Amul logos and trademarks on them.
Many garment manufacturers, hurt by the lockdown imposed on March 25, have taken to making masks to stay afloat until their businesses limp back to normal.
“These are all small entrepreneurs. Currently, the market is limited and the supply is more than the demand. You have to be innovative to sell your masks,” said Sodhi of Amul.
A Haryana-based bedsheet manufacturer has started sourcing masks bearing the names of sports brands such as Nike, Adidas and Under Armour from Ludhiana and selling them online for Rs 15 each.
“These are all duplicate items,” the co-owner of the Haryana company said, asking not to be identified. He said the lockdown has hit their main bedsheet business.
Some companies said they would ignore the misuse of their trademarks for the time being and would initiate legal action only if it goes out of hand.
“If it is on a small scale, we will let it go as masks are a critical part of the fight against Covid-19,” said Rajiv Chilaka, CEO of Green Gold Animation, whose Chhota Bheem animation character has been allegedly infringed upon. “If any big companies are misusing it, then we will look into it.”
