Martha Stewart has taken legal action against Megan for allegedly appropriating the name of a reality TV show and filing for a trademark, as per the trademark application for American Riviera Orchard.
Meghan Markle's new venture is set to include an array of products, from edible oils and fats to jellies, jams, and spreads made from vegetables, garlic, sesame, nuts, and fruits. Additionally, the trademark filing reveals Megan's intentions to release recipe books, allowing enthusiasts to indulge in a culinary experience akin to that of royalty.
However, Megan's grand announcement, coupled with the trademark application, seems to lack substantial groundwork, understandable only to her. The debut of American Riviera Orchard came last week with a cooking video posted on the brand's new Instagram account, signaling a significant rebranding effort from her previous lifestyle website, The Tig, which she managed before marrying Prince Harry during her tenure on the TV show." Suits.” As of now, the brand's details remain shrouded in mystery, with nine cryptic Instagram posts forming the logo alongside the name American Riviera Orchard.
Interestingly, comments have been disabled on the Instagram posts, redirecting users to a new website where they can join a waitlist by providing their email addresses. Nevertheless, the US trademark application sheds more light on Megan's plans, detailing a range of downloadable and printed cookbooks, along with coffee and tea services, dinnerware, and other dining accessories. Notably, the product lineup features a variety of spreads, oils, and butters, including those derived from nuts, garlic, sesame, and dairy.
In an unexpected twist, it was discovered that Megan named her company M no's best LLC, mirroring the title of an American reality TV show hosted by Martha Stewart, "Martha Knows Best." Originally a gardening and home series on HGTV, Martha's show paid attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing her expertise and offering domestic advice to celebrity guests. Megan's imitation, under the guise of "Mama Knows Best," appears to flirt dangerously with copyright infringement, potentially raising eyebrows even from Martha Stewart herself.
The irony is palpable: while imitation may be seen as flattering, crossing the line into copyright infringement presents a different narrative altogether. Martha Stewart, a seasoned veteran in her craft, likely views Megan's attempt to mimic her legacy with skepticism. True reinvention, she might argue, stems from originality, not plagiarism. Megan's denial of Martha's expertise by copying her brand's name seems audacious, considering Martha's decades-long reputation for excellence.
In the realm of trademark law, Megan's application for American Riviera Orchard might face obstacles, particularly in light of the numerous similar business names in the market. Furthermore, the absence of an actual orchard under Megan's ownership adds another layer of complexity to her trademark endeavors. It remains to be seen whether Megan's ambitious plans will come to fruition or face rejection by legal authorities.
