Estée Lauder has filed a lawsuit against perfumer Jo Malone, alleging breach of contract in connection with her recent collaboration with fashion retailer Zara.

The legal dispute centers on the use of Malone's name, which she sold the rights to in 1999 when Estée Lauder acquired her eponymous fragrance brand. The acquisition gave the cosmetics giant control over the Jo Malone brand name and trademark.

Malone, who founded her luxury fragrance company in 1994, has previously expressed regret about selling the naming rights to her brand. Despite building the company from a small London operation into a globally recognized luxury fragrance house, she no longer holds legal claim to her own name for commercial purposes.

The lawsuit appears to stem from Malone's recent business activities, specifically her collaboration with Spanish fashion retailer Zara. Estée Lauder contends that this partnership violates the terms of their original agreement regarding the use of the Jo Malone name.

Estée Lauder Companies, one of the world's largest cosmetics conglomerates, continues to operate the Jo Malone London brand as part of its luxury portfolio. The brand has expanded significantly under Estée Lauder's ownership, with boutiques in major cities worldwide and a presence in high-end department stores.