Martha Stewart has taken legal action against Meghan for allegedly stealing the name of a reality TV show in a trademark filing.
The trademark application for American Riviera Orchard, as reported by DailyMail.com, reveals that Meghan Markle‘s new venture will offer a range of products including edible oils, jellies, jams, spreads made of legumes, garlic, sesame, nut and fruit butters, and even recipe books to help people eat like royalty.
Meghan’s grand announcement of the launch of American Riviera Orchard was accompanied by a video showcasing her cooking skills on the brand’s new Instagram account.
This move is seen as a significant step in rebranding, marking the evolution of The Tig, Meghan’s lifestyle platform from her pre-royal days as an actress on the TV series Suits.
The brand’s Instagram page features a series of cryptic posts forming the logo of American Riviera Orchard Montecito.
Interestingly, comments have been disabled on these posts, redirecting visitors to a website where they can sign up to receive updates.
However, details about Meghan’s plans become clearer through the US trademark application, which outlines a diverse range of products, from cookbooks to tableware and kitchen accessories.
Notably, Meghan’s company, Mama Knows Best LLC, has sparked controversy as it bears a striking resemblance to Martha Stewart’s show, “Martha Knows Best.”
The HGTV series showcased Stewart’s gardening and home projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering domestic advice to celebrities.
Meghan’s adaptation of the name has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the extent of imitation and potential copyright infringement.
The issue of plagiarism looms large as Meghan’s branding choices draw comparisons to Martha Stewart’s established legacy.
While imitation may be seen as flattery, crossing into copyright infringement territory raises ethical concerns.
Martha Stewart’s expertise and authenticity stand in stark contrast to Meghan’s alleged attempt to replicate her image without due credit.
The anticipation surrounding Meghan’s trademark approval is met with skepticism, given the similarity of her business name to existing entities in the market.
The lack of ownership of an actual orchard adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The unfolding saga between Martha Stewart and Meghan underscores the importance of originality and integrity in branding, highlighting the pitfalls of borrowing too heavily from established icons.
As the legal battle unfolds, the clash between traditional authority and emerging influencers in the lifestyle space takes center stage.
Martha Stewart’s legacy and expertise face off against Meghan’s ambitious foray into the culinary and lifestyle market, setting the stage for a showdown of values and principles in the realm of branding and trademark protection.
The outcome of this dispute will not only impact the parties involved but also serve as a cautionary tale for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the fine line between inspiration and imitation.
