Stella McCartney Fights For Right To Be 'Nude'

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

14 August 2009

Fashion designer Stella McCartney is being challenged by a cosmetic company over the use of the word "nude" in product branding.

Stella McCartney, the daughter of Sir Paul McCartney and whose company is an affiliate of the L’Oreal cosmetics group, is due to launch a new perfume brand to be named StellaNude. However, it seems that her plans have been disrupted by a lawsuit from another company which claims to have got there first.

It is understood that the court proceedings have been initiated by Ali Hewson, wife of another music legend, Bono, of the Irish group U2. Hewson is a co-founder of a line of organic cosmetic products called Nude Skincare.

Companies often invest much time and money in creating an identity through the use of brand names and trademarks, and are increasingly turning to litigation to protect their investments.

The case is due to be heard in the UK's High Court in the coming weeks.

According to the Associated Press, a spokeswoman for Stella McCartney has confirmed that proceedings have been issued by Nude brands against YSL Beaute, the licensee for McCartney’s fragrance and beauty products, and Stella McCartney Limited.

The spokeswoman added that the allegations were being “defended vigorously.”

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