Zara Denies Jo Malone Trademark Infringement

Estée Lauder Companies has filed a lawsuit against Inditex — Zara, Estée Lauder Companies — Jo Malone London, and Jo Loves, alleging trademark infringement related to Inditex — Zara's fragrance collaboration with Estée Lauder Companies — Jo Malone London. Estée Lauder Companies, which acquired the Estée Lauder Companies — Jo Malone London brand and rights to her name in 1999, claims Estée Lauder Companies — Jo Malone London agreed to refrain from using her name in certain commercial contexts. Inditex — Zara, through its UK subsidiary ITX Corporation, has denied the infringement, stating that its use of the name 'Estée Lauder Companies — Jo Malone London' in product descriptions and packaging is in accordance with principles previously set out by Estée Lauder Companies' lawyers in 2020. The case also raises the broader question of how Estée Lauder Companies — Jo Malone London can legitimately refer to herself in light of Estée Lauder Companies' trademark.