Estée Lauder sues Jo Malone over use of name in collaboration with Zara

British perfumier Jo Malone is being sued by US cosmetics giant Estée Lauder Companies for using her name in a collaboration with High Street retailer Zara.

Estée Lauder Companies bought Malone's eponymous perfume brand, Jo Malone, including the rights to her name, in 1999.

The FT first reported that though the Zara collaboration was with Malone's new perfume brand Jo Loves, Estée Lauder took issue with the use of Malone's name on the packaging which read: "A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves".

A spokesperson for Estée Lauder said Malone's use of her name with Zara "undermines Jo Malone London's unique brand identity".

The BBC has contacted Malone and Zara for comment.

Malone has previously said she regretted selling the rights to use her own name for commercial purposes.

Under the terms of the 1999 deal, Malone had agreed not to use the "Jo Malone" name for marketing purposes.

Estée Lauder Companies is suing Jo Malone herself, Jo Loves and Zara's UK arm for trademark infringement, breach of contract and passing off, which is when customers are misled into thinking a product is from another company.

Jo Malone's fragrance business was founded in the early 1990s, and became popular for unique fragrances using British nature and blossoms as inspiration for its ingredients. The brand expanded to include scented candles and bath products.

A spokesperson for Estée Lauder Companies said that it had "invested significantly in building Jo Malone London" over the past 25 years since it legally bought the brand.

"She was compensated as part of this agreement, and for many years, she abided by its terms," the spokesperson added.

"We respect Ms Malone's right to pursue new opportunities. But legally binding contractual obligations cannot be disregarded, and when those terms are breached, we will protect the brand that we have invested in and built over decades."