In a twist of fate that seems almost scripted, Meghan Markle’s brand, American Riviera Orchard, is grappling with yet another setback.

Recent revelations from DailyMail.com indicate that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has rejected a crucial application tied to the brand’s name.

The heart of the issue?

The brand’s logo design, which has raised eyebrows for its complexity.

The name “American Riviera” pays homage to the picturesque coastline near Montecito, California, where Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, reside.

However, it turns out that trademarking geographic names is a no-go.

The USPTO’s decision underscores the challenges that come with trying to secure a brand identity that leans on a specific location.

But the troubles don’t stop there.

The USPTO has also expressed concerns about the logo itself, particularly the letter “O” in “Orchard.”

Reports suggest that the design is overly intricate and not easily recognizable, leading the office to call for a clearer representation.

In a document labeled as a non-final action, officials noted that the current explanation doesn’t match the visual presentation, raising questions about its clarity.

To add to the confusion, the trademark office recommended a redesign that includes overlapping letters forming a double-lined octagon, along with artistic embellishments.

This suggestion reflects a broader concern over how effectively the logo communicates the brand’s identity to consumers.

The situation has become even more complicated due to the extensive product descriptions included in Meghan’s application.

Items like bath soap, cocktail napkins, cooking utensils, and various types of blankets were deemed too vague.

The USPTO urged Meghan’s team to provide more specific classifications, such as “gift wrap” or “textile,” to avoid ambiguity.

Moreover, procedural errors have compounded the challenges.

It appears that Meghan’s representatives neglected to sign essential documents, which raises questions about the application’s validity.

Adding fuel to the fire, a separate Santa Barbara business selling American Riviera candles has further weakened the chances of securing the trademark.

This isn’t the first time Meghan has faced branding hurdles.

Last year, her podcast venture, Archwell, stumbled over trademark issues when a self-help blog with the same name was already registered.

The string of misfortunes continued as she attempted to promote American Riviera Orchard by gifting jars of homemade strawberry jam to celebrities, a strategy that fell flat amid ongoing trademark troubles.

Critics have had a field day, mocking the logo and its resemblance to a chaotic design rather than a cohesive brand image.

Many have pointed out the absurdity of attempting to mirror royal insignia, only to miss the mark entirely.

The disappointment is palpable, especially when drawing parallels to previous attempts by Meghan and Harry to incorporate the Sussex coat of arms into their merchandise, which was ultimately blocked by Queen Elizabeth II.

The latest fiasco with American Riviera Orchard adds to a growing list of branding missteps.

The unresolved trademark conflicts have delayed the brand’s launch, which was initially slated for the end of this year.

While Meghan’s legal team has the option to contest and revise their submission, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.

A source close to the Sussexes describes these negotiations with the USPTO as routine, suggesting that Meghan will address the issues swiftly.

Yet, despite the potential for resolution, the shadow of setbacks looms large, painting a picture of struggle as she navigates the complexities of branding and public perception.

Ultimately, the saga of American Riviera Orchard serves as a microcosm of Meghan Markle’s ongoing battle to establish herself in the business world.

As she attempts to carve out a niche that echoes the elegance of royalty, the reality is that her efforts often veer into farce, leaving many to wonder what her next move will be.