Jo Malone hopes ‘sense will prevail’ in lawsuit over her name
Jo Malone Hopes ‘Sense Will Prevail’ in Legal Dispute Over Her Name
Perfume creator Jo Malone expressed hope that “sense will prevail” in a legal battle involving her and Zara, initiated by Estée Lauder. The lawsuit centers on the use of her name in a collaboration between Jo Loves and the retail giant. Malone founded Jo Loves in 2011, a brand that offers perfumes, candles, and toiletries, after selling her original label, Jo Malone London, to Estée Lauder in 1999.
A Legacy of Fragrances and Legal Agreements
Established in the early 1990s, Malone’s brand gained recognition for its distinctive scents inspired by British landscapes. She later sold the company to Estée Lauder for “undisclosed millions” but retained creative control until 2006. A non-compete clause from the 1999 deal barred her from developing new fragrance or skincare lines until 2011.
Estée Lauder Companies recently filed High Court proceedings against Malone, Jo Loves, and Zara’s UK division. The legal action follows the use of her name on product packaging for a collaboration that began seven years ago. The packaging read: “A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves,” prompting the lawsuit for trademark infringement and breach of contract.
Malone’s Defiant Stance
Speaking publicly for the first time since the dispute began, Malone conveyed her surprise and disappointment. In an Instagram video, she stated that Jo Loves and Zara had “gone above and beyond” to ensure the collaboration was distinct from her original brand. “We’ve done everything possible,” she said, emphasizing her belief in the clarity of the partnership.
“I can’t stop being a person,” Malone added, questioning why Estée Lauder is suing her now. “If it was wrong today, it would have been wrong from the start. No one raised an issue back then.”
Malone clarified that the collections were “created by me, the person,” and that she had not sold her identity. She acknowledged regret over the 1999 agreement but insisted she remains willing to defend her position in court if necessary. “I hope sense will prevail and we can find a new way to coexist in the same market,” she said.
Estée Lauder’s Position
Estée Lauder claimed Malone “agreed to clear contractual terms” that required her to avoid using the “Jo Malone” name in commercial contexts, including fragrance marketing. The company stated she was compensated for this, and for many years, she adhered to the terms. However, they noted that “legally binding obligations cannot be ignored” and that they would “protect the brand” they’ve invested in over decades.
Zara has not commented on the legal matter, while the BBC has sought Estée Lauder’s response. Malone’s remarks underscore her emotional connection to her name, highlighting its significance to her personal and professional identity. Her journey from a council estate in southeast London to a global fragrance icon remains central to her defense of the issue.