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Birkenstock Targets Counterfeiters in India with Court-Backed Factory Raids

German footwear giant Birkenstock has launched a major legal offensive in India to combat the growing trade in counterfeit sandals. Following an internal investigation that uncovered fake Birkenstock products being manufactured in and around Agra, the company filed an infringement lawsuit in the Delhi High Court in May. The court responded swiftly. On May 26, Judge Saurabh Banerjee authorized ten court-appointed commissioners to conduct surprise inspections of suspected factories in Agra and New Delhi. These visits, now completed, resulted in the seizure and sealing of allegedly fake products bearing Birkenstock branding. The judge noted that the counterfeit sandals were nearly indistinguishable from genuine ones, posing a serious risk of deceiving consumers. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 6. Birkenstock’s crackdown comes amid a broader wave of intellectual property enforcement in India’s footwear industry, with brands like Crocs and Prada also pursuing legal act...
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Why You Should Diversify Your Portfolio Beyond GICs



Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) are a type of fixed-income investment that offer a safe and predictable return on your money. However, they also have several drawbacks that may limit your financial growth and security. Here are some reasons why you should consider diversifying your portfolio beyond GICs:

  • Low returns: GICs typically offer lower interest rates than other investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. This means that your money may not grow as fast as you need it to, especially in times of high inflation or economic uncertainty. You may also miss out on the potential for higher returns from other investments that can benefit from market fluctuations and opportunities.
  • Lack of liquidity: GICs usually have fixed terms, ranging from a few months to several years, during which you cannot access your money without paying a penalty. This can be a problem if you need cash for an emergency or an unexpected expense. You may also lose the opportunity to reinvest your money at a higher rate if interest rates rise during the term of your GIC.
  • Tax inefficiency: GICs generate interest income, which is taxed at your marginal tax rate. This can reduce your net return on investment, especially if you are in a high tax bracket. Other investment options, such as equities, may offer more favourable tax treatment, such as lower capital gains tax or dividend tax credit.
  • Lack of diversification: GICs are a single type of investment that do not offer much variety or flexibility. If you invest all your money in GICs, you may not have a balanced and diversified portfolio that can withstand different market conditions and risks. You may also miss out on the benefits of asset allocation, which is the process of spreading your money across different types of investments to optimize your risk and return.

GICs are not a bad investment option, but they are not the only one. Depending on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, you may want to explore other investment options that can offer higher returns, more liquidity, better tax efficiency, and more diversification. A financial advisor can help you create a personalized investment plan that suits your needs and preferences.

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