Olaplex Dyeing to Protect its Intellectual Property
Client Alert | 1 min read | 08.15.19
On August 12, 2019, a jury in Delaware federal court found L’Oreal USA Inc. liable for misappropriating Olaplex LLC’s trade secrets, infringing two patents relating to hair-coloring, and breaching a nondisclosure agreement between the two parties. The jury awarded $91.3 million to Olaplex. Olaplex’s victory demonstrates the importance of entering into nondisclosure agreements before disclosing potential intellectual property to a competitor – especially a large one.
This suit stems from a meeting in 2015 between L’Oreal and Olaplex to discuss a potential acquisition or licensing deal. Olaplex alleged that after the parties met, L’Oreal exploited its trade secrets and created “three knockoff versions” of products discussed during the meeting. At trial, the jury found that L’Oreal stole Olaplex’s trade secrets in violation of the nondisclosure agreement.
The jury found that L’Oreal willfully infringed both patents, leaving open the possibility of an award of increased damages.
L’Oreal hopes to remove this stain upon its reputation on appeal.
Contacts
Insights
Client Alert | 3 min read | 11.06.25
Executive Branch Focus on Federally Funded Inventions
In recent months the executive branch has indicated a willingness to assert control over intellectual property funded by federal research dollars in novel ways. This could potentially include leveraging its march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act.
Client Alert | 2 min read | 11.06.25
Key Takeaways to the State Attorneys General - Election Day 2025
Client Alert | 3 min read | 11.06.25
Supreme Court Oral Argument on Presidential Tariff Authority
Client Alert | 13 min read | 11.06.25
