Meghan Markle, 43, Faces Legal Issues over Her Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard — Details

As Meghan Markle embarks on her latest entrepreneurial adventure with American Riviera Orchard, her aspirations are met with a twist. Trademark disputes are casting a shadow over her ambitious plans.

Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has hit another roadblock on its path to launch. The Duchess of Sussex has faced ongoing trademark issues that have complicated her business ambitions.

On October 31, premium food retailer Harry & David filed a protest with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The company argued that Meghan’s brand name is too close to its own “Royal Riviera” trademark.

The rival company, known for its Oregon-grown pear gift baskets, cited a “likelihood of confusion” with its established product line. The protest has landed on the desk of Marco Wright, the examining attorney at the Trademark Office. This isn’t the first challenge Meghan’s brand has faced.

In September, her initial application was denied, with the USPTO flagging issues around trademarking geographical names. According to documents, names tied to specific locations — such as “American Riviera” — can influence consumer perceptions. This can lead them to assume that the goods originate from those areas.

Meghan’s Santa Barbara residence, notably known as the “American Riviera,” only heightened the issue. It strengthened the public association of the brand with that region.

Additionally, the USPTO pointed out that some product descriptions in Meghan’s application, such as “cocktail napkins” and “cooking utensils,” were too vague. This lack of specificity could apply to multiple categories, creating a hurdle for securing a trademark.

Under these conditions, the Duchess has three months to address the agency’s “non-final officer action.” If she wishes to continue with the application, Meghan will also need to pay an additional $700.