THE WHAT? Zara has denied allegations that it infringed Estée Lauder’s Jo Malone trademark through its fragrance collaboration with perfumer Jo Malone.
THE DETAILS In filings submitted to the UK High Court, Zara’s UK business ITX argued that its use of the name “Jo Malone” in fragrance descriptions and packaging follows guidance previously provided by Estée Lauder’s lawyers in 2020. The dispute relates to Zara’s fragrance collaboration with Jo Malone, founder of Jo Loves, with Estée Lauder claiming the retailer breached trademark rights linked to Jo Malone London, which it acquired in 1999. Zara said current wording, including “In collaboration with perfumer Ms. Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves,” clearly distinguishes the individual from the Jo Malone London brand. ITX also rejected claims of consumer confusion and denied accusations of “passing off.” The case additionally raises questions around how Jo Malone can commercially reference her own name following the sale of trademark rights to Estée Lauder.
THE WHY? The dispute highlights growing tensions around founder identity rights, trademark ownership and fragrance collaborations within the luxury beauty industry.
Source: Reuters
