Meghan Markle's latest effort to position herself as a lifestyle brand mogul is facing a significant obstacle.
Her brand, American Riviera Orchard, which many believed would serve as her entry into the world of celebrity entrepreneurs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Martha Stewart, has encountered a serious roadblock. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has rejected Meghan's trademark application, citing the name as too geographically descriptive due to its association with Montecito, California, where Meghan resides—an area often referred to as the "American Riviera." This legal setback, which her attorney Marjorie Witter Norman is now striving to resolve, raises doubts about the viability of Meghan's latest business venture.
Trademark experts emphasize the difficulty of securing recognition when using geographically descriptive terms, and this rejection highlights a broader issue for Meghan: the struggle to establish a brand identity independent of her celebrity status as the Duchess of Sussex.
In stark contrast, Brooklyn Beckham’s entrepreneurial journey tells a different story of celebrity business ventures. Despite enduring public scrutiny and criticism, Brooklyn has been quietly building his brand through a hands-on approach. His recent launch of a food product line at Whole Foods marks a significant milestone, achieved through personal investment, navigating distribution challenges, and avoiding the spotlight. Brooklyn’s efforts sharply differ from Meghan’s, as he has chosen to focus on the operational side of business, often undertaking unglamorous tasks behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Meghan's ventures have been characterized by high-profile public appearances, gifting products to influencers, and creating social media buzz—strategies that critics argue are more about maintaining her public image than demonstrating true business expertise.
The contrast between Meghan and Brooklyn's approaches underscores a fundamental truth: celebrity status does not guarantee business success. While Brooklyn's grounded and humble approach has resonated with audiences, Meghan's attempt to leverage her star power and royal title as the foundation of her brand is struggling. The trademark rejection not only poses a legal challenge but also reflects a deeper issue—relying on fame without a solid, authentic business plan can lead to failure.
Meghan's initial product launch added to the controversy surrounding her brand. Her first offering, a limited edition jam, sparked backlash when fans accused her of repackaging commercially available jam from a local farmer's market and selling it as her own. Critics pointed out inconsistencies in the product's quality and noted that the labels were poorly attached, casting doubt on her personal involvement in the process. Public reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with a survey indicating that only 1% of respondents would consider purchasing her product. Social media responses were harsh, with many branding Meghan a "grifter" and criticizing what they perceived as a lack of originality and authenticity in her business ventures.
This reception stands in stark contrast to Brooklyn's steady, albeit less glamorous, progress, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and direct involvement in building consumer trust. Meghan's business struggles mirror her broader public image challenges, as she has often been criticized for appearing out of touch. Notable examples include her visits to impoverished communities while wearing expensive designer clothing and jewelry, actions which have led many to view her as disconnected from the realities of ordinary people. These public missteps have overshadowed her brand efforts, making it even more difficult for her to redefine herself outside of her royal persona.
As Meghan's legal team works to amend the trademark application, the future of her brand remains uncertain. This latest challenge highlights a key lesson for celebrities seeking to transition into business: fame alone is not enough. Success in the business world requires more than just a recognizable name—it demands authenticity, hands-on involvement, and a clear, distinct identity that resonates with consumers. Meghan’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for public figures aiming to transform their celebrity into commercial success, proving that without a well-thought-out strategy and genuine commitment, even the most famous names can stumble.
