Harrods decides not to pursue businesses that imitate its name in India

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Feb 25, 2019

Harrods will not pursue the array of Indian businesses mimicking its brand name and look, the luxury retailer’s managing director Michael Ward said when questioned at the recent Global Business Summit.

Harrods’ managing director, Michael Ward, spoke at the Global Business Summit which took place in New Delhi over the weekend, as reported by TNN. Ward took the opportunity to answer questions over whether he would pursue Indian businesses that use the “Harrods” name whilst having nothing to do with the brand and stated that the matter would not be pursued by the business.

When asked about the Harrods “copycats”, Ward said: "We would not stop people from doing that. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." A number of sewing machine sellers’ businesses are called “Harrods” but the luxury retailer is not concerned.

Other companies affected by the issue include Starbucks, which has previously sued the Indian coffee chain SardarBuksh for “copying” its brand name. But unlike Starbucks, Harrods is not planning an Indian expansion. "We have no plans for India,” said Ward. “At the moment, we don't relate as well as we could do with HNIs in India. We started 10 years ago in China, where currently we represent 25% of the retail spend in the UK."