Jo Malone sued by Estee Lauder over use of her own name in Zara fragrance collaboration

"The American cosmetics giant purchased Malone's original fragrance business, Jo Malone London, in 1999, acquiring not only the brand but also the commercial rights associated with her name. The deal allowed Estée Lauder to expand the luxury fragrance label globally, but it also placed contractual restrictions on Malone's ability to use the "Jo Malone" name in connection with fragrance marketing in the future."

"Estée Lauder has taken issue with the use of Malone's name on the product packaging, which reportedly included the wording: "A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves." Estée Lauder claims the wording breaches the terms agreed when Malone sold her original company. The group has filed legal action against Malone personally, her Jo Loves business and Zara's UK arm, alleging trademark infringement, breach of contract and "passing off"."

"A spokesperson for Estée Lauder Companies said Malone had accepted clear contractual obligations when she sold the company more than two decades ago. The spokesperson said she had been compensated as part of the agreement and had complied with its terms for many years. They added that while Malone is free to pursue new business ventures, the company would act to protect the brand it had invested in building if contractual terms were breached."

Estée Lauder Companies purchased Jo Malone London in 1999, acquiring commercial rights to the founder's name and imposing contractual restrictions on her future use of it in fragrance marketing. Decades later, a collaboration between Malone's newer brand Jo Loves and retailer Zara produced fragrances labeled with her name and CBE title. Estée Lauder filed legal action against Malone, Jo Loves, and Zara's UK operations, alleging trademark infringement, breach of contract, and passing off—claiming customers might confuse the products with the Jo Malone London brand. Estée Lauder maintains Malone accepted clear contractual obligations when selling her company and received compensation, though she remains free to pursue new ventures.

Read at Business Matters