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Meghan Markle has reportedly run into a bit of a problem after attempting to trademark her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
The Daily Mail exclusively reported that the Duchess of Sussex has sought to “trademark the name of her service, American Riviera Orchard, for international use” ahead of launching the brand next year.
Unfortunately, according to the magazine, Markle's application contained “several deficiencies that needed to be corrected” in order for it to be processed properly.
“The United States Patent and Trademark Office has notified lawyers for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex about a range of issues, including the misclassification of yoga blankets, picnic baskets and recipe books,” the magazine reports.
The Daily Mail reported that the agency told the royal family that “fees owed to various organisations around the world for the trademark registrations” totalling more than $11,000.
Meghan Markle – White onesie
Markle announced the launch of her new lifestyle brand in March, and wowed fans with her strawberry jam influencer campaign (and raspberry jam vs. dog biscuits debate).
Shortly after, it was reported that the company was entering the wine business by adding rosé to its list of private label products, according to Tatler magazine.
“To complement the reported wine launch, the first series of releases will include drinking and serving tableware, bar essentials and other products related to hosting and entertaining,” the Daily Mail reported at the time. “Expect items in a classic yet pricey style.”
According to Tatler magazine, rosé wine is Markle's “favourite drink.”
“She sipped it on her first date with Prince Harry at Soho House in 2016,” the magazine reports. “Meghan is also reported to be a fan of frozen wine, a sweet slushie made by freezing wine and adding strawberries and powdered sugar.”
Meghan Markle
Markle has also been teasing the launch of the new brand by sending certain American Riviera Orchard products to Hollywood celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Serena Williams and Dora Ragland.
Other influential influencers, actresses and models also received American Riviera Orchard Jam, including Abigail Spencer, Tracee Ellis Ross, Mindy Kaling, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend and Kris Jenner.
A source close to Markle confirmed to the Daily Mail that Meghan and her brand had “received multiple deficiency notices requesting clarification regarding goods and services” regarding Markle's trademark application.
“Such requests are typical and entirely expected when filing international applications due to differences between international and U.S. standards and classifications,” it adds.
In other words, the furore is unlikely to delay the launch of Markle's lifestyle brand.
