Florida-based Stephan says its Frances Denney division has sold personal care products under the Interlude brand name since the early 1960s. Those products include a range of perfumes, body mists, body creams, bath soaks and dusting powders.
Stephan bought up the Frances Denney company in 1993, before which it was an independent, family-run business that was first established in 1897.
The Stephan Company said in an official statement that its Interlude products formed a cornerstone to its personal care portfolio, which is why it is taking the legal action against Elizabeth Arden.
Elizabeth Arden responded to the accusations by claiming that the lawsuit was 'entirely without merit'."In fact, the US Trademark Office granted Elizabeth Arden a registration for the Provocative Interlude name and will fully assert its legal rights in this matter," Elizabeth Arden said in an official statement.
The company launched it Provocative Interlude perfume for women earlier this year and has backed up the launch with an extensive advertising and marketing campaign throughout the US.
Currently the fragrance is being sold at Macy's, Dillards and other US stores, often alongside Stephan's Interlude fragrance products.