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 application for the American Riviera Orchard trademark.
This rejection is more than just a bureaucratic hurdle; it represents a tough reality check for Meghan, who had hoped this venture would pave her way to financial independence and bolster her influence globally.
The USPTO’s decision, detailed in an extensive 48-page report, has given Meghan a three-month window to rectify the issues highlighted by the office.
If she fails to address these concerns within the stipulated time, her trademark application could be completely abandoned, putting a serious dent in her entrepreneurial ambitions.
The reasons behind this rejection are complex and reveal the many challenges Meghan faces in the intricate world of trademark law.
The office pointed out that she needs to revise the identification of goods associated with her brand, comply with various class application rules, and clarify the descriptive nature of the term “Riviera.”
Furthermore, the application was labeled as geographically descriptive, which could hinder others from using similar terminology for their own products.
This isn’t the first bump in the road for Meghan’s business endeavors.
Earlier this year, her partnership with Spotify faced scrutiny, with reports suggesting that the streaming service was growing frustrated over the lack of content produced by the Duchess.
Adding to the drama, there were whispers of tension between Meghan and Netflix, particularly after her animated series, Pearl, was abruptly shelved.
Industry experts are increasingly concerned about Meghan’s ability to transform her celebrity status into a sustainable business model.
PR and brand marketing expert Matt Yanofsky voiced his skepticism, urging potential investors to seek a clear business plan and proof of profitability within the next two to three months.
On top of these challenges, Meghan is reportedly having trouble securing a permanent chief executive for American Riviera Orchard.
Potential candidates seem hesitant, deterred by the high turnover rate among staff at Archwell, the organization she co-founded with Prince Harry.
This staffing issue isn’t surprising, given Meghan’s growing reputation as a demanding employer.
A source close to the couple revealed to the Express that both Harry and Meghan are known for being tough taskmasters, often making it challenging for employees to thrive in their environment.
This reputation may be complicating her efforts to build a solid team around her brand.
Despite these setbacks, Meghan is said to remain committed to her vision for American Riviera Orchard.
However, the lack of concrete progress in product launches, coupled with ongoing trademark troubles, raises doubts about the brand’s future viability.
Currently, there are no products available for sale, and the brand’s Instagram page and website do not offer any purchasing options for consumers.
So far, Meghan’s promotional efforts have been limited to sending jars of jam to friends and influencers, which hardly constitutes a full-scale product launch.
As it stands, her journey from a successful actress to a royal and now an aspiring entrepreneur is fraught with both highs and lows.
The rejection of her trademark application serves as a stark reminder that Meghan’s ambitions may not always align with the realities of the business landscape.
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