Megan Markle’s American Riviera Orchard brand is encountering yet another challenge, this time with its logo design. According to exclusive information from DailyMail.com, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently rejected a trademark application related to the brand’s name. The USPTO stated that businesses cannot trademark geographic locations, which includes the term “American Riviera”—a reference to the coastline near Megan and Harry’s Montecito, California home.
The latest issue centers around the brand’s logo, specifically the depiction of the letter “O” in “Orchard.” The USPTO has raised concerns about the logo’s accuracy and consistency. In a non-final action document, the office explained that the current description of the mark does not match its actual appearance. The letter “O” is described as overly stylized and difficult to recognize, necessitating a more accurate description. The USPTO suggested a revised description, noting that the mark includes a double-lined octagon with overlapping letters and decorative elements.
Adding to the complications, the USPTO criticized the breadth of the product descriptions in Megan’s application. Items listed, such as bath soap, cocktail napkins, pans, cooking utensils, and various types of blankets, were deemed too vague. The office recommended more precise classifications, such as “gift wrap of fabric” or “textiles.”
The brand’s troubles don’t end there. The USPTO’s recent refusal also highlighted several procedural errors, including Megan’s agents’ failure to sign necessary documents. Additionally, the application was undermined by a pre-existing use of the term “American Riviera” by a Santa Barbara-based business that sells an American Riviera candle.
This setback follows previous difficulties with Megan’s brand endeavors. Last year, her podcast, Archewell, faced trademark issues after the USPTO discovered a self-help blog with the same name had already been registered. Adding to the comedy of errors, Megan’s American Riviera Orchard brand had previously attempted to make a splash by sending out jars of homemade strawberry jam to celebrities, each with a numbered batch. However, this promotional stunt did little to alleviate the brand’s mounting challenges.
The situation has led to considerable mockery, with critics pointing out that Megan’s logo resembles a tangled mess and that her attempt to mimic royal insignia has spectacularly failed. This perceived effort to imitate a royal cipher has been ridiculed as another example of Megan’s branding missteps. Historical parallels have been drawn to earlier attempts by Megan and Harry to use the Sussex coat of arms on various products, which were subsequently banned by Queen Elizabeth II. This new failure with American Riviera Orchard is seen as a continuation of these branding blunders.
The ongoing trademark disputes have cast a shadow over the launch of Markle’s brand, which was initially planned to debut by the end of the year. While the USPTO’s decision isn’t final, Megan’s legal team has the opportunity to appeal and revise their application. A source close to the Sussexes described the back-and-forth with the USPTO as routine, expressing confidence that Megan will address the issue promptly. Despite the potential for resolution, the constant setbacks and ridicule surrounding her branding efforts underscore a growing narrative of struggle and failure. As Megan continues to grapple with these challenges, the American Riviera Orchard brand remains an emblem of her ongoing attempts to navigate the complex world of business and public perception.
It seems Megan Markle’s latest branding debacle is a classic case of déjà vu. Attempting to imitate the regal charm of Buckingham Palace’s insignia, she has managed to turn her brand into a royal joke. Remember how she and Harry once plastered the Sussex coat of arms on everything from socks to t-shirts, only to have Queen Elizabeth II shut that down? Well, Megan’s back at it, stumbling over yet another failed branding attempt.
