Estée Lauder Files Lawsuit Against Jo Malone Over Name Usage
British perfumer Jo Malone is facing legal action from US cosmetics giant Estée Lauder Companies due to her use of her name in a collaboration with the High Street retailer Zara.
Estée Lauder Companies acquired Malone's eponymous perfume brand, Jo Malone, along with the rights to her name, in 1999.
The Financial Times initially reported that although the Zara collaboration involved Malone's new perfume brand, Jo Loves, Estée Lauder objected to the use of Malone's name on the packaging, which stated:
"A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves"
A spokesperson for Estée Lauder stated that Malone's use of her name in connection with Zara
"undermines Jo Malone London's unique brand identity".
The BBC has reached out to both Malone and Zara for comment.
Background on the Trademark Dispute
Malone has previously expressed regret over selling the rights to use her own name commercially.
According to the terms of the 1999 agreement, Malone agreed not to use the "Jo Malone" name for marketing purposes.
Estée Lauder Companies is pursuing legal action against Jo Malone personally, her brand Jo Loves, and Zara's UK division for trademark infringement, breach of contract, and passing off—a legal term referring to misleading customers into believing a product originates from another company.
Jo Malone Brand History and Estée Lauder's Investment
Jo Malone's fragrance business was established in the early 1990s and gained popularity for its distinctive fragrances inspired by British nature and blossoms. The brand later expanded its product range to include scented candles and bath products.
An Estée Lauder Companies spokesperson emphasized the company's significant investment in developing Jo Malone London over the 25 years since acquiring the brand:
"We have invested significantly in building Jo Malone London"
The spokesperson also noted:
"She was compensated as part of this agreement, and for many years, she abided by its terms."
"We respect Ms Malone's right to pursue new opportunities. But legally binding contractual obligations cannot be disregarded, and when those terms are breached, we will protect the brand that we have invested in and built over decades."
