Jo Malone hopes 'sense will prevail' in lawsuit over her name

Perfume designer Jo Malone has voiced her disappointment regarding legal action taken by Estée Lauder over a collaboration between her current brand, Jo Loves, and retailer Zara. Estée Lauder, which acquired Jo Malone London in 1999, is suing Malone, Jo Loves, and Zara for trademark infringement and breach of contract, seeking over £200,000 in damages. The dispute centers on the use of Malone’s name on packaging for the Zara collaboration, despite efforts to clarify it was separate from Jo Malone London.

Malone stated she was “very surprised and very sad” and questioned why Estée Lauder hadn’t raised concerns when the collaboration began in 2019. She emphasized that she sold the *company* but not herself, and maintains her right to create independently. Court documents reveal Estée Lauder argues the Zara products, being “low-cost,” damage the luxury reputation of Jo Malone London.

Malone, who founded her original company in the early 1990s and sold it for “undisclosed millions,” acknowledges a 1999 agreement restricting her use of the “Jo Malone” name commercially, a decision she now regrets. She expressed hope for a resolution, stating, “I hope sense will prevail,” but is prepared to defend her position in court, prioritizing her personal integrity.

(Source：Google News)