British perfumer Jo Malone is facing a lawsuit from Estée Lauder Companies over the use of her name in a fragrance collaboration with Zara. The dispute centres on packaging for a product created under Malone’s newer brand Jo Loves, which included the phrase “A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves.” Estée Lauder claims the use of her name violates agreements made when it purchased the original fragrance brand Jo Malone London in 1999.

Under the terms of that deal, Malone sold the rights to the brand and her name for commercial fragrance use. The company argues that referencing “Jo Malone” on packaging could confuse customers and potentially lead them to believe the products are linked to Jo Malone London. As a result, Estée Lauder has filed legal action against Malone, Jo Loves and Zara’s UK division, citing trademark infringement, breach of contract and passing off.

Malone founded her perfume business in the early 1990s, building a reputation for distinctive fragrances inspired by British botanicals. After selling the brand in 1999, she later launched Jo Loves as a new venture. Legal experts say the outcome will depend on the specific wording of the original agreement, though courts often enforce such contracts even when they restrict individuals from using their own names in commercial activities.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright