US EditionMexican State Accuses Adidas of Cultural Appropriation over New Shoe, Threatens Legal Action | News Channel 3-12
OAXACA, MEXICO, AUG 6 – Oaxaca seeks legal action against Adidas for using the Yalalag community’s huarache design without permission or compensation, highlighting indigenous rights and cultural heritage protection.
- The government of Oaxaca, led by Governor Salomón Jara Cruz, announced plans to file a complaint with IMPI against Adidas and Willy Chavarría for alleged cultural appropriation of the 'Oaxaca Slip On' sandal.
- In August 2021, Oaxaca’s congress amended the constitution to impose up to 15-year prison terms for cultural plagiarism, paralleling federal protections, as Oaxaca faces ongoing exploitation of indigenous heritage, where 78% of land is collectively owned.
- Local social media users and experts criticized Adidas for profiting from the design without benefiting Villa Hidalgo Yalalág artisans, who earn as little as 300 pesos per handmade huarache, fueling demands for compensation and legal protections.
- The Oaxaca government plans to file a complaint against Adidas for violating the Yalal�g community’s collective intellectual property rights, with Adidas remaining unresponsive, according to El Financiero.
- Despite a 2022 Federal Law to protect Indigenous heritage, stronger trademark enforcement mechanisms for Western companies like Adidas complicate collective IP protections, echoing the Navajo Nation’s 2016 victory over Urban Outfitters.
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Mexican authorities accuse Adidas of cultural appropriation
Officials in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca accused sportswear giant Adidas of cultural appropriation after the fashion brand debuted sandals similar to a traditional design from the region.
Mexican state accuses Adidas of cultural appropriation over new shoe, threatens legal action
By Isa Cardona, Veronica Calderon, Michael Rios, CNN (CNN) — The Mexican state of Oaxaca is threatening legal action against Adidas, accusing the footwear company of cultural appropriation over a newly unveiled shoe that resembles a traditional handmade sandal. The “Oaxaca Slip-On,” billed as a collaboration between American designer Willy Chavarria and Adidas Originals, features a woven leather surface, open heel, and thick rubber sole – and, i…
Mexican state accuses Adidas of cultural appropriation over new shoe, threatens legal action | News Channel 3-12
By Isa Cardona, Veronica Calderon, Michael Rios, CNN (CNN) — The Mexican state of Oaxaca is threatening legal action against Adidas, accusing the footwear company of cultural appropriation over a newly unveiled shoe that resembles a traditional handmade sandal. The “Oaxaca Slip-On,” billed as a collaboration between American designer Willy Chavarria and Adidas Originals, features a woven leather surface, open heel, and thick rubber sole – and, i…
The state government accused that design takes cultural aspects, including the name of the state, without proper consent
The governor of Oaxaca, Solomon Jara Cruz, announced that the state government will file a complaint against Adidas and designer Willy Chavarría for the use of the name “Oaxaca Slip On” and the design of traditional huaraches of the community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca. This case has been pointed out as an example of cultural appropriation, generating criticism about the lack of benefits for local artisans. The model…
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