Meghan Markle is once again in hot water with her latest venture, American Riviera Orchard.
The lifestyle brand, launched in April, is now facing a significant setback due to a trademark dispute.
This time, it’s not just bad luck; it’s a serious issue that could jeopardize her business aspirations.
According to journalist Tina Brown, Markle’s track record of missteps in her entrepreneurial endeavors is becoming increasingly evident.
The crux of the problem lies in Markle’s attempt to trademark the name of her new brand.
Unfortunately for her, a firm that owns the trademark for Royal Riviera has lodged a protest with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
This brand, associated with Harry and David, is a well-known American institution that has been around since 1934 and boasts impressive annual sales of £1.7 billion.
Their Royal Riviera pears are particularly famous, and they’ve even secured a trademark for these luxurious fruits.
This isn’t the first time Markle has encountered trademark issues.
Just last year, she tried to secure the trademark for her previous venture, The TIG, but failed to submit a necessary statement of use.
Now, she finds herself in a similar predicament with American Riviera Orchard.
The trademark office has already informed her that the term “American Riviera” is too vague, giving her just three months to clarify her application and pay an additional fee of $700.
Tina Brown’s recent comments suggest that Markle’s challenges extend beyond mere bad luck.
She’s expressed concern that Markle consistently misses the mark with her ideas.
Brown believes that Markle would benefit from studying successful brands like Harry and David, which built their fortune by delivering high-quality products directly to consumers.
It’s a stark contrast to Markle’s current approach, which seems to be plagued by confusion and mismanagement.
A source from Mirror US elaborated on the rigorous process of acquiring a trademark, emphasizing that it would be surprising if Markle hadn’t received any prior guidance before launching her brand.
Despite these setbacks, insiders claim that she remains committed to her business and is determined to respond to the trademark office’s requirements within the allotted time frame.
Interestingly, there are theories circulating about why Markle’s launch felt rushed.
Richard Eden, a columnist for the Daily Mail, suggested that Markle was eager to beat the tabloid to the punch regarding her lifestyle brand.
This urgency may have led her to announce American Riviera Orchard prematurely, sharing links to her Instagram page and website before having the necessary products or team in place.
Adding fuel to the fire, there are allegations that Markle borrowed heavily from another Southern California company, Flamingo Estate, when developing her brand.
This has raised eyebrows and questions about the originality of her ideas.
Critics argue that the whole launch seemed disorganized, lacking the solid foundation typically required for such an ambitious endeavor.
The urgency to launch could also stem from Markle’s desire to outmaneuver the Daily Mail, a publication she and Prince Harry have openly criticized.
By unveiling her brand quickly, she may have aimed to prevent any potential negative coverage or claims from the tabloid.
However, this hasty decision appears to have backfired spectacularly.
Now, with the trademark dispute at hand, Markle faces a daunting challenge.
The Royal Riviera brand is not only well-established but also financially robust.
The legal battle over the trademark could prove costly and time-consuming, potentially derailing her aspirations for American Riviera Orchard.
As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering how Markle will navigate these turbulent waters.
The need for a clear strategy and a well-thought-out approach has never been more critical.
If she hopes to salvage her brand, she’ll need to address these issues head-on and learn from the missteps of her past.
This latest chapter in Markle’s entrepreneurial journey serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thorough planning and execution.
As she grapples with these challenges, it remains to be seen whether she can turn things around and establish a successful brand in the competitive market.
The stakes are high, and the pressure is on.
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