Jo Malone is back in court and this time, it is not over a fragrance formula. It is over six words on a piece of packaging. According to reporting by the BBC and the Financial Times, Estée Lauder Companies has sued British perfumer Jo Malone, her new brand Jo Loves, and Zara’s UK arm over […]

Yes, You Can Trademark a Shade Name—But Only If It’s Distinctive In order for any name to qualify for trademark protection, it must identify the source of the product, not just describe the product itself. So if you’re naming your lipstick “Soft Red” or “Coral Nude,” it’s probably too generic or descriptive to qualify. But […]

Collabs and influencer partnerships have become a go-to growth tool for beauty brands. Whether it’s a co-branded product drop, affiliate campaign, or exclusive launch party, partnerships can build major buzz. But here’s the part many founders overlook: a beauty collab is not just a vibe—it’s a business deal. Without a clear contract in place, even […]

1. What is a Fractional General Counsel (FGC)? A fractional general counsel is a senior attorney who plugs into your business for a set number of hours each month—think “on‑call legal department”—providing the same strategic advice as an in‑house GC, but part‑time and on a flat or capped retainer. Because you buy only the capacity you […]

Setting the stage Whether you’re a contract manufacturer scaling K-beauty dupes or a boutique lab whipping up CBD serums, your manufacturing agreement is the single document that determines whether a client relationship is profitable or ruinous. Most cosmetic manufacturers spend months perfecting their formulas and about 20 minutes reading the contract that governs who owns […]
