Estée Lauder Walmart Lawsuit, What the Counterfeit Products Case Means for Shoppers 2026
Estée Lauder sued Walmart on February 9, 2026, over alleged counterfeit beauty products sold on Walmart.com. This trademark infringement lawsuit targets fake versions of luxury brands like La Mer, Clinique, Tom Ford, Le Labo, and Aveda sold through Walmart’s third-party marketplace.
What Is the Estée Lauder Walmart Lawsuit About?
This is a corporate trademark lawsuit, not a consumer class action. Estée Lauder Companies filed the complaint in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging Walmart allowed counterfeit versions of high-end beauty products to be listed and sold through its online marketplace.
According to court documents, Estée Lauder purchased and tested products sold on Walmart.com. The company claims these items were fake and bore marks “identical with, substantially indistinguishable from, or confusingly similar” to authentic Estée Lauder trademarks.
One example cited in the complaint shows a perfume called “Intense Peach” sold on Walmart.com next to Tom Ford’s “Bitter Peach” fragrance. Both products came in nearly identical orange packaging, according to the lawsuit.
Who Is Affected by This Lawsuit?
This lawsuit involves two parties: Estée Lauder and Walmart. Regular shoppers are not eligible to file claims or receive compensation because this is not a class action settlement.
The lawsuit specifically names these Estée Lauder brands as plaintiffs: Aveda, Clinique, La Mer, Le Labo, and Tom Ford. Each brand alleges Walmart’s marketplace sellers offered knockoff products that violated their trademark rights.
Estée Lauder claims Walmart’s website design, checkout process, and return policies could mislead consumers into believing Walmart directly sold these products, even when third-party vendors supplied them.
What Products Does the Lawsuit Cover?
The complaint identifies alleged counterfeit versions of these products sold on Walmart.com:
- Aveda hairbrushes
- Clinique skin creams and moisturizers
- La Mer lotions and moisturizers
- Le Labo fragrances (including Santal 33)
- Tom Ford fragrances (including Bitter Peach)
Tom Ford also alleges trade dress infringement related to its Private Blend fragrance collection. The lawsuit claims copycat bottles duplicated the rectangular shape, flared cap design, monochrome color scheme, and signature nameplate of authentic Tom Ford products.
What Estée Lauder Wants from Walmart
Estée Lauder is seeking monetary damages from Walmart. If the court finds violations were intentional, damages could reach up to three times the actual amount, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit also requests a court order requiring Walmart to stop selling allegedly counterfeit products, destroy remaining inventory, and disclose supplier information for third-party marketplace sellers.
According to the complaint, Walmart selects and partners with marketplace sellers, controls payments and checkout, and often handles fulfillment and returns while earning fees from those sales. The lawsuit argues this creates liability for trademark infringement even when third parties list the products.
Similar cases have supported this argument. The complaint cites a prior federal lawsuit involving Vans, where a court found consumers could reasonably believe products sold on Walmart.com were sold by Walmart itself.
What This Means for Shoppers
Consumers who purchased beauty products from Walmart.com should verify product authenticity. If you bought Estée Lauder brand products from Walmart’s website, especially from third-party sellers, you may have received counterfeit items.
Walmart stated it has “zero tolerance for counterfeit products” and will respond to the complaint when officially served. The retailer has not announced specific steps for customers who may have purchased fake products.
If you believe you purchased a counterfeit Estée Lauder product from Walmart, contact Walmart’s customer service or the Estée Lauder brand directly. Keep your receipt and product packaging as documentation.
For guidance on trademark disputes and consumer protection, visit related legal resources on similar product liability lawsuits and trademark infringement cases.
What Happens Next with the Lawsuit
As of February 2026, this lawsuit is in early stages. Walmart has not yet filed a formal response to Estée Lauder’s complaint. The case will proceed through federal court discovery, where both parties exchange evidence about marketplace practices and alleged counterfeit products.
Court hearings could determine whether Walmart is liable for third-party seller activities on its platform. This case may set precedent for how online marketplaces manage counterfeit products sold by independent vendors.
The outcome could take months or years, depending on whether the parties reach a settlement or proceed to trial. If Estée Lauder prevails, Walmart may be required to pay damages, implement stricter marketplace controls, and remove counterfeit listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I File a Claim in the Estée Lauder Walmart Lawsuit?
No. This is a corporate trademark lawsuit between Estée Lauder and Walmart, not a consumer class action. Regular shoppers cannot file claims or receive compensation through this lawsuit.
Will I Get Money from This Lawsuit?
No. Only Estée Lauder is seeking monetary damages from Walmart. Consumers who purchased counterfeit products are not eligible for payments through this lawsuit.
What Should I Do If I Bought a Fake Product?
Contact Walmart customer service or the specific Estée Lauder brand for potential refunds or replacements. Keep all receipts and product packaging. This lawsuit does not create a claim process for individual shoppers.
Is Walmart Selling Fake Beauty Products?
Estée Lauder alleges that third-party sellers on Walmart’s marketplace listed counterfeit beauty products. Walmart denies allowing counterfeit items and states it has zero tolerance for such products. The court has not yet ruled on these allegations.
Which Estée Lauder Brands Are Involved?
The lawsuit includes Aveda, Clinique, La Mer, Le Labo, and Tom Ford. These brands claim Walmart’s marketplace sold knockoff versions of their products.
Where Can I Find Updates About This Case?
Monitor court records through the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. News outlets covering business litigation may also report major developments. Official statements from Estée Lauder and Walmart will provide the most accurate information.
Last Updated: February 12, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on trademark disputes or consumer protection matters.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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