Estee Lauder sues Jo Malone over use of her name on Zara fragrance

"Ms Malone's use of the name Jo Malone' in connection with recent commercial ventures goes beyond that legal agreement and undermines Jo Malone London's unique brand equity. 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."

"Over the past 25 years, The Estee Lauder Companies has invested significantly in building Jo Malone London. Today it stands as an iconic global brand, with extraordinary brand equity and a distinct identity that is beloved around the world."

"Malone sold her perfume brand to Estee Lauder Companies in 1999 in a deal under which she was blocked from using her name for particular commercial reasons including the marketing of fragrance."

Estee Lauder Companies acquired Jo Malone's perfume brand in 1999 under a contract prohibiting her from using her name for fragrance marketing. After stepping down as creative director in 2006 and expressing regret about the sale, Malone launched Jo Loves following the expiration of a non-compete clause in 2011. Last year, Jo Loves collaborated with Zara on a fragrance featuring packaging labeled "A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves." Estee Lauder claims this violates their legal agreement and undermines the Jo Malone London brand they have invested in and built over 25 years. The company states Malone was compensated for refraining from using her name and previously adhered to these terms. Estee Lauder also manages similar restrictions with other founder names, including Bobbi Brown.

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