Estee Lauder sues Jo Malone, Zara UK for use of Malone name, Reuters reports

Estee Lauder (EL) has filed a lawsuit against Jo Malone, her fragrance brand “Jo Loves” and Zara’s UK business for the use of Malone’s name on certain products as the U.S. firm owns the brand, Reuters’ Angela Christy M and Ruchika Khanna report. Estee Lauder Companies bought Malone’s self-named perfume brand, and the rights to use her name, in 1999, while Malone had agreed with the U.S. company to not use the “Jo Malone” name in certain commercial contexts, including the marketing of fragrances, a company spokesperson said in a statement. “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,” the spokesperson added.