Estée Lauder sues Walmart, claiming retail giant selling knockoffs
Estée Lauder sues Walmart, claiming retail giant selling knockoffs
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAYThu, February 12, 2026 at 2:01 AM UTC
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Estée Lauder is suing Walmart in federal court alleging that the retailer sold counterfeit versions of the cosmetic company's fragrance and skin care products in its online store.
The lawsuit was filed on Monday, Feb. 9, in the California Central District Court. In it, Estée Lauder accused Walmart of selling fake versions of its brands: Aveda, Clinique, La Mer, Le Labo and Tom Ford.
Estée Lauder said the products "bear marks that are identical with, substantially indistinguishable from, or confusingly similar” to products sold by the cosmetics company, according to court records posted by Reuters.
An Estee Lauder cosmetics counter is seen in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 19, 2019.
To back up its claim, Estée Lauder said in the lawsuit that it has bought and tested some of the alleged counterfeit products to test their authenticity and determined that they were not made by the company.
Moreover, Estée Lauder accused Walmart of being aware that it was selling counterfeit products on its website and that it did “very little” to ensure products sold were authentic.
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In an emailed statement to USA TODAY, Walmart said it had "zero tolerance for counterfeit products."
"We will respond appropriately with the court when we are served," the retailer said.
What products were allegedly sold?
According to the lawsuit, the following counterfeit products were allegedly sold by Walmart on its website, Walmart.com:
Aveda hairbrushes
Clinique skin creams
La Mer lotion
La Mer moisturizers
Le Labo fragrances
Tom Ford fragrances
Estée Lauder is asking Walmart to pay money for damages, as well as to stop any sales of the allegedly counterfeit products and any other products bearing the beauty company's trademark.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Estee Lauder sues Walmart over alleged counterfeit products
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