09:26 AM EDT, 03/12/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates headline and story with Estee Lauder's ( EL ) response.)

Estee Lauder ( EL ) said Thursday it has sued perfumer Jo Malone, her new fragrance brand, and Zara's UK business for alleged trademark infringement.

After Malone's non-compete clause with the company expired in 2011, she established a new perfume brand, Jo Loves, according to media 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," an Estee Lauder ( EL ) spokesperson told MT Newswires in an e-mail statement.

The spokesperson added that Jo Malone was compensated as part of the agreement, and the use of "Jo Malone" name for recent commercial ventures "goes beyond that legal agreement and undermines Jo Malone London's unique brand equity."

"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.

Jo Loves did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.