Meghan Markle's American Riviera Orchard brand is encountering yet another significant hurdle, this time concerning the design of its logo.
According to exclusive information from DailyMail, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently rejected a trademark application for the brand's name. The USPTO's decision was based on a policy that prohibits businesses from trademarking geographic locations, which includes the term "American Riviera." This term references the picturesque coastline near Meghan and Harry’s home in Montecito, California.
The current issue centers around the brand's logo, particularly the stylization of the letter "O" in "Orchard." The USPTO has expressed concerns regarding the logo’s accuracy and consistency. In a non-final action document, the office noted that the description of the current trademark does not align with the actual appearance of the logo. Specifically, the letter "O" is described as excessively stylized and difficult to recognize, necessitating a more precise description. The USPTO has recommended revising the description to better reflect the logo, which includes a double-lined octagon, overlapping letters, and decorative elements.
Compounding the brand's difficulties, the USPTO has also criticized the broadness of the product descriptions in Meghan’s application. Items listed—such as bath soap, cocktail napkins, pans, cooking utensils, and various types of blankets—were deemed too vague. The office has suggested using more specific terms, such as "gift wrap made of fabric" or "textile goods."
The troubles do not end there. The USPTO's recent refusal also highlighted several procedural errors, including the failure of Meghan's representatives to sign essential documents. Additionally, a Santa Barbara-based business already uses the "American Riviera" term for a candle, further undermining Meghan's application.
This setback follows previous issues with Meghan's brand ventures. Last year, her podcast, Archewell, faced trademark complications when the USPTO discovered a self-help blog with the same name. Furthermore, Meghan's American Riviera Orchard brand had earlier attempted to gain attention by sending jars of homemade strawberry jam to celebrities, each marked with a numbered batch. However, this promotional effort did little to alleviate the brand’s ongoing challenges.
The situation has led to considerable mockery, with critics deriding Meghan’s logo as a chaotic design and accusing her of attempting to mimic royal insignia unsuccessfully. This perceived attempt to emulate royal symbols has been likened to her previous branding missteps, including the failed use of the Sussex coat of arms on various products, which was ultimately prohibited by Queen Elizabeth II.
The continued trademark disputes have overshadowed the planned launch of Meghan's brand, which was initially scheduled to debut by the end of the year. While the USPTO’s decision is not final, Meghan’s legal team has the opportunity to appeal and amend their application. A source close to the Sussexes has indicated that they are confident Meghan will address the issues promptly. Despite this potential for resolution, the repeated setbacks and the surrounding ridicule emphasize a growing narrative of struggle and failure. As Meghan navigates these challenges, American Riviera Orchard remains emblematic of her ongoing efforts to reconcile business ambitions with public perception.
It seems Meghan Markle’s latest branding debacle is a classic case of déjà vu. Much like her previous attempts to emulate regal charm, she has found herself stumbling over yet another failed branding initiative. The saga mirrors her earlier effort to leverage the Sussex coat of arms, only to have it shut down by the Queen, highlighting a recurring theme of missteps in her branding journey.
