Jo Malone hopes ‘sense will prevail’ in lawsuit over her name
Jo Malone’s Legal Battle Over Name Usage Intensifies
Estée Lauder, the global beauty conglomerate, has initiated legal proceedings against Jo Malone and Zara’s UK division, disputing the use of Malone’s name in a collaboration. The case centers on the packaging of products from the Jo Loves brand, which partners with Zara. Malone, the renowned perfume designer, expressed hope that “common sense will take precedence” in resolving the dispute.
Background of the Brand and Agreement
Malone established her perfume line, Jo Malone London, in the early 1990s, gaining acclaim for its nature-inspired scents. In 1999, Estée Lauder acquired the brand, including the rights to her name. Malone later founded Jo Loves in 2011, expanding into candles and toiletries. The 1999 agreement required her to avoid using “Jo Malone” for commercial purposes, such as fragrance marketing.
Malone, who remained as creative director until 2006, signed a non-compete clause preventing her from launching new fragrance or skincare lines until 2011. She stated in an Instagram video that she is prepared to defend her position in court, though she emphasized her desire for a resolution that allows continued collaboration in the marketplace.
“I can’t stop being a person,” Malone said. “If the collaboration was flawed from the start, why wait seven years to challenge it?”
The lawsuit claims that the packaging for Jo Loves-Zara products incorrectly attributes the collections to Jo Malone London. Despite this, Malone insisted that the work was “created by me, the person,” and questioned Estée Lauder’s decision to sue now. She expressed surprise and sadness, stating that she had “exhausted every possible effort” to clarify the partnership.
Estée Lauder defended its stance, noting that Malone had agreed to contractual terms ensuring the brand’s exclusivity. “We respect her right to explore new ventures,” the company said, “but legal commitments cannot be ignored.” The BBC has sought Estée Lauder’s response, while Zara has opted not to comment.
