05:29 AM EDT, 03/12/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Estee Lauder ( EL ) has sued perfumer Jo Malone, her new fragrance brand, and Zara's UK business for using her name, news outlets reported Thursday.

After Malone's non-compete clause with the company expired in 2011, she established a new perfume brand, Jo Loves, according to reports.

In 2025, Jo Loves launched a new affordable perfume in collaboration with retailer Zara. That perfume's packaging includes the wording "A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves." The use of "Jo Malone" in that name has formed the basis of Estee Lauder's ( EL ) lawsuit, news outlets reported.

"When Ms Jo Malone sold the brand to The Estee Lauder Companies ( EL ) in 1999, she agreed to clear contractual terms that included refraining from using the Jo Malone name in certain commercial contexts, including the marketing of fragrances," the Financial Times reported, citing a spokesperson for Estee Lauder ( EL ).

"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," the spokesperson added.

Estee Lauder ( EL ) and Jo Loves didn't immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.