Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has faced another delay, extending its launch timeline by three months due to an ongoing trademark dispute, leaving Meghan "very angry."
According to royal expert Angela Levin, the brand has encountered repeated hurdles due to its trademark application, which has not yet been approved. "She's now asked for another three months on the trademark application deadline," Levin told GB News, adding that unresolved issues could force Markle to restart the process entirely. "If this isn't resolved within the extension, they will have to start all over again, which may mean another year," Levin explained.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) raised concerns over similarities between Markle's chosen brand name and the 'Royal Riviera' trademark, owned by Harry & David. The trademark protest has created significant obstacles, prompting Markle's team to file for an extension to address the issue.
The USPTO issued a "non-final officer action," citing the potential for consumer confusion between the two names. Levin suggested that Markle could consider changing the brand name to avoid further complications but noted that she appears committed to the current branding. "All she had to do was to change the name," Levin stated during her GB News appearance. "They don't want the name because it's too familiar to a name where she lives in Montecito."
American Riviera Orchard was first announced in March as an eco-friendly luxury lifestyle brand, with Markle reportedly positioning it as a response to environmental concerns within the beauty industry. In April, Markle sent promotional baskets containing homemade jams, branded with the American Riviera Orchard logo, to select high-profile celebrities, including Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen. Despite these early promotional efforts, products have yet to be made available for public purchase.
The delays have left the brand's future uncertain, particularly if the trademark dispute is not resolved. The additional three-month extension granted by the USPTO represents a critical window for Markle to secure the necessary approvals and move forward with the launch.
Levin also commented on Prince Harry's extended absence from the UK amid Markle's business pursuits, raising questions about their professional separation. "Why doesn't he go home? He hasn't been home for over two months. It must have been virtually three months now," Levin said during the interview, suggesting that the couple's once close-knit partnership has shifted as they focus on individual projects.
In addition to her brand, Markle is reportedly preparing a Netflix lifestyle series under the couple's multi-million-dollar deal with the streaming giant. The series will reportedly explore cooking, gardening, and entertaining, but details on its title and release date remain undisclosed.
