Jo Malone Hopes ‘Sense Will Prevail’ in Lawsuit Over Her Name
Estée Lauder, the renowned beauty company, has initiated legal action against Jo Malone and Zara’s UK division, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract. The dispute centers on the use of Malone’s name in a collaboration between Zara and her new brand, Jo Loves, which began in 2019. Malone, the creator of the original Jo Malone London fragrance line, expressed her hope that ‘common sense will prevail’ in the High Court proceedings.
Malone established Jo Loves in 2011, expanding her product range to include candles and toiletries alongside perfumes. She founded the original Jo Malone London brand in the early 1990s, which gained acclaim for its nature-inspired scents. In 1999, Estée Lauder acquired the brand, including the rights to Malone’s name, and she remained as creative director until 2006. A non-compete clause in the deal barred her from launching new fragrance or skincare lines until 2011.
“I can’t stop being a person,” Malone stated in an Instagram video. She questioned the timing of Estée Lauder’s lawsuit, noting that the collaboration with Zara had been ongoing for seven years without prior objections. “If it was wrong now, it would have been wrong from day one, and no one raised a concern,” she added.
Estée Lauder argues that the use of Malone’s name on packaging for the Zara collaboration violates the terms of their 1999 agreement. The company claims she agreed to limit her commercial use of the name, particularly in fragrance marketing, as part of the deal. Despite selling the brand for “undisclosed millions,” Malone has maintained her creative identity and expressed regret over the non-compete clause.
Malone emphasized her commitment to defending her position in court if required, but she reiterated her belief that a resolution could be found without legal confrontation. “My integrity means a lot to me,” she said. The BBC sought a response from Estée Lauder, which was not immediately provided, while Zara chose not to comment on the matter.
