Martha Stewart has taken legal action against Meghan for allegedly stealing the name of a reality TV show in a trademark filing.
According to documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Meghan Markle’s latest venture, American Riviera Orchard, will offer a range of products including edible oils, jellies, jams, and spreads made from various ingredients such as legumes, garlic, sesame, nuts, and fruits.
The trademark application also hints at Meghan’s plan to release recipe books, allowing fans to dine like royalty.
Meghan’s grand unveiling of American Riviera Orchard included a cooking video shared on the brand’s new Instagram account.
This launch is seen as a significant move, marking the rebirth of The Tig, her former lifestyle platform established during her acting days on the show “Suits.”
The brand’s identity remains shrouded in mystery, with only a series of cryptic Instagram posts revealing the logo and the name “American Riviera Orchard Montecito.”
While comments are disabled on the Instagram posts, visitors are directed to a website where they can join a waitlist by providing their email addresses.
However, the US trademark application sheds more light on Meghan’s vision, detailing plans for downloadable and printed cookbooks, as well as a range of tableware and kitchen accessories.
The product lineup includes coffee and tea services, dinnerware, napkin rings, and various spreads and butters made from different ingredients.
Interestingly, the trademark application reveals that Meghan’s company is named Mama Knows Best LLC, a striking resemblance to Martha Stewart’s TV show title “Martha Knows Best.”
The show, which aired on HGTV during the pandemic, featured Martha Stewart offering gardening and home advice to celebrities.
Meghan’s choice to mirror the name has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the originality of her branding strategy.
The saga of imitation continues as Meghan faces accusations of copying Martha Stewart’s iconic image.
While imitation can be seen as flattery, crossing into copyright infringement territory raises ethical concerns.
Martha Stewart’s legacy of reinvention and expertise in her field contrasts sharply with Meghan’s alleged attempt to replicate her success through borrowed concepts.
The looming question remains: will Meghan’s trademark application pass scrutiny?
Given the saturation of similar business names in the market and the absence of an actual orchard under Meghan’s ownership, doubts linger over the approval of her branding endeavor.
As the legal battle unfolds, the clash between Martha Stewart’s established reputation and Meghan’s aspiring empire sets the stage for a showdown of trademark titans.
In the realm of culinary ventures and lifestyle branding, authenticity and innovation reign supreme.
While Meghan embarks on her journey with American Riviera Orchard, the shadow of alleged plagiarism casts a cloud over her aspirations.
As the narrative unfolds, the unfolding drama between two formidable women in the world of lifestyle and entertainment captivates audiences and sparks debates on originality, inspiration, and the fine line between homage and infringement.