Estée Lauder Sues Jo Malone Over Use of Her Name in Zara Deal

Estée Lauder Companies has launched legal action against fragrance entrepreneur Jo Malone, alleging that her use of her own name in a collaboration with Spanish fashion retailer Zara infringes on trademark rights linked to the Jo Malone London brand.

Malone founded the Jo Malone London fragrance brand and sold it to Estée Lauder in 1999. As part of the transaction, the entrepreneur also transferred the commercial rights to use her name in connection with perfumes, fragrances and related beauty products. The brand is now one of the key fragrance labels within Estée Lauder’s global portfolio.

The dispute centers on a fragrance collaboration between Zara and Malone’s newer brand, Jo Loves. Packaging for the collection reportedly includes the phrase “A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves.” According to Estée Lauder, this wording may create consumer confusion and undermine the brand equity of Jo Malone London, whose trademarks the company owns.

Estée Lauder said it respects Malone’s right to pursue new business ventures but argues that legally binding agreements regarding the use of the name must be upheld. The case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding personal names as trademarks and could set an important precedent for founders who sell brands built around their own identities.