In a surprising twist for Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, her dreams of establishing a lifestyle brand have hit a significant roadblock.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has turned down her trademark application for American Riviera Orchard, a venture she hoped would pave the way to financial independence and bolster her image as a global influencer.
This rejection is more than just a minor hiccup; it’s a harsh wake-up call for Meghan.
The USPTO’s decision, detailed in a hefty 48-page document, has given her three months to address various concerns raised by the office.
If she fails to make the necessary adjustments, her trademark application could be completely abandoned, marking a serious blow to her entrepreneurial aspirations.
So, what exactly led to this rejection?
The USPTO cited several issues that highlight the complexities of trademark law.
Meghan needs to refine her identification of goods, adhere to rules regarding multiple class applications, and clarify the descriptive nature of the term “Riviera.”
Additionally, the application was flagged as geographically descriptive, which could hinder others from using similar terms for their own products.
This isn’t the first time Meghan has faced challenges in her business endeavors.
Earlier this year, her partnership with Spotify became a point of contention, with reports suggesting that the streaming service was frustrated by the scarcity of content produced by the Duchess.
Moreover, whispers of discord with Netflix surfaced when her animated series, “Pearl,” was unexpectedly shelved.
These setbacks have sparked concerns among industry experts about Meghan’s ability to leverage her celebrity status into a successful business model.
PR and brand marketing specialist Matt Yanofsky has voiced skepticism, urging potential investors to seek a solid business plan and evidence of profitability within the next couple of months.
On top of all this, Meghan is reportedly having trouble securing a permanent CEO for American Riviera Orchard.
Prospective candidates appear to be hesitant, largely due to the high turnover rate at Archwell, the organization she co-founded with Prince Harry.
This staffing issue isn’t entirely unforeseen, as Meghan has garnered a reputation for being a demanding employer.
A source close to the couple revealed that both Harry and Meghan are known to be tough taskmasters, making it challenging for staff to remain in their roles.
The source noted that their demanding nature often puts people on edge, which likely contributes to the difficulties in retaining talent.
Despite these hurdles, a U.S. source claims that Meghan remains dedicated to her brand.
However, the lack of concrete progress in product launches and ongoing trademark complications raise doubts about the long-term sustainability of American Riviera Orchard.
Currently, there are no products available for purchase, and the brand’s social media and website lack any buying options for consumers.
The limited exposure of American Riviera Orchard has primarily involved sending jars of jam to friends and influencers, rather than a full product rollout.
This approach has not translated into a robust market presence, leaving many questions about the brand’s future.
Meghan Markle’s transition from a successful actress to a member of the British royal family and now an aspiring entrepreneur has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows.
The USPTO’s rejection of her trademark application serves as a stark reminder that ambition must often contend with the realities of the business landscape.