Estée Lauder Sues Jo Malone Over Zara Collaboration

British perfumer Jo Malone is facing a lawsuit from Estée Lauder Companies over her use of her name in a fragrance collaboration with Zara. The legal action, filed on March 12, 2026, centers on trademark infringement and breach of contract, highlighting the complexities of brand ownership when a founder sells the rights to their name.

Background: The Sale of Jo Malone London

Estée Lauder acquired Jo Malone London, including the rights to the “Jo Malone” name, in 1999. Jo Malone subsequently stepped down as creative director of the brand in 2006. She later expressed regret over selling the rights to her name, calling it the “biggest mistake of my life” The Guardian.

The Zara Collaboration and the Lawsuit

After a non-compete clause expired in 2011, Malone launched Jo Loves, a new fragrance venture. In 2019, Jo Loves began a collaboration with Zara, featuring eight scents. The packaging of these products included the phrase “A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves.” BBC

Estée Lauder is suing Jo Malone herself, Jo Loves and Zara’s UK arm for trademark infringement, breach of contract, and “passing off”—a legal claim alleging that consumers may be misled into believing the Zara fragrances are associated with the Jo Malone London brand. Econotimes

Estée Lauder’s Position

According to a spokesperson for Estée Lauder Companies, Malone’s use of her name violates the terms of the 1999 agreement, which restricted her from using the “Jo Malone” name in commercial contexts, including fragrance marketing. The company asserts that Malone was compensated for agreeing to these terms. BBC

The company stated that while they respect Malone’s right to pursue new opportunities, legally binding contractual obligations must be upheld, and they will protect the Jo Malone London brand, in which they have invested significantly. The Guardian

Responses from Jo Malone and Zara

As of March 12, 2026, Jo Malone has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. Zara UK declined to comment. BBC

Key Takeaways

• Estée Lauder is suing Jo Malone over the use of her name in a Zara fragrance collaboration.
• The lawsuit centers on a 1999 agreement where Malone sold the rights to her name to Estée Lauder.
• Estée Lauder alleges trademark infringement, breach of contract, and “passing off.”
• Jo Malone had previously expressed regret over selling the rights to her name.