Haircare firm Olaplex files lawsuit against L’Oréal over product patent infringement

US-based haircare firm Olaplex has filed a lawsuit against the US unit of French-based company L’Oréal for alleged patent infringement and copying of marketing strategy.

The lawsuit was filed at the US District Court for the Central District of California earlier this week, reported Wall Street Journal.

Olaplex produces haircare products to protect hair during bleach treatment. The California startup claimed that in 2015, it entered into a non-disclosure agreement with L’Oréal and held discussions about a possible acquisition. However, the plans were later dropped.

According to the lawsuit, Olaplex had shared information on proprietary technology, marketing strategy and one of its unpublished patent applications during these discussions.

One year later L’Oréal has launched three products, Matrix Bond Ultim8, Redken pH-Bonder, and L’Oréal Professionnel Smartbond, which allegedly infringe the related patent.

The firm also claims that before the discussions for acquisition commenced in 2015, L’Oréal made efforts to appoint Olaplex employees who were responsible for the product Olaplex Bond Multiplier No. 1.

L’Oréal has denied these claims and said it will defend its position.