Meghan Markle’s ambitious foray into the lifestyle brand arena is experiencing a significant setback, one that could easily be described as a comical series of blunders.
Her vision for American Riviera Orchard appears to be unraveling at an alarming speed, particularly following the recent rejection of her trademark application by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
What was meant to be a step towards building a lifestyle empire has instead turned into a bureaucratic headache.
The USPTO’s decision came with a stark warning: Meghan now has a mere three months to address the issues with her application or risk seeing it abandoned altogether.
This twist in her brand journey might just be the most dramatic yet.
According to a detailed 48-page document from the USPTO, the initial application fell short due to an underpayment of the application fee, requiring Meghan to cough up an extra $700 to keep things moving forward.
It seems that in her quest for success, she may have overlooked some crucial paperwork details.
The rejection didn’t stop there; it included a comprehensive list of amendments that Meghan must make.
She was advised to clarify the identification of goods, modify the requirements for multiple classes, and even drop the term “Riviera” from her brand name because it was deemed too geographically descriptive.
Essentially, the brand’s concept stumbled because its descriptions were too ambiguous and not specific enough to stand out.
Among the items she attempted to trademark were everyday essentials like cocktail napkins, pans, and a variety of kitchen utensils.
From strainers to spatulas, Meghan’s vision for American Riviera Orchard seemed to encompass a vast array of products.
However, the execution appeared to lack focus, leading to a situation where the brand was more of a jack-of-all-trades than a master of any particular niche.
A source cited by the Express weighed in on the situation, highlighting the rigorous nature of the trademark acquisition process.
While they expressed confidence in Meghan’s commitment to her brand, it’s hard to overlook the apparent missteps that have already occurred.
The optimism surrounding her venture feels somewhat misplaced, especially considering the rushed launch and subsequent hiccups.
The trademark application was initially submitted on February 2nd, with grand plans for selling kitchenware, drinkware, and even jams.
Fast forward five months, and despite a lackluster launch on Instagram, the brand has yet to deliver any products to eager consumers.
Interestingly, the application was filed under Mama Knows Best, LLC—registered at the same Beverly Hills address as the organization of Harry and Meghan’s well-known rival.
One can’t help but marvel at the glaring oversight in Meghan’s meticulous planning.
In her eagerness to launch, perhaps spurred by negative press feedback or a desire to outshine other royals, she seems to have presented a half-baked idea.
The result?
A PR-driven strategy that may ultimately be her downfall.
It appears Meghan is under the impression that her star power alone can drive success, without the necessary groundwork of careful planning and execution.
Should American Riviera Orchard fail to turn a profit, it could lead to yet another wave of negative press in the UK, potentially prompting a plea for financial assistance from King Charles.
However, it’s important to remember that both Meghan and Harry are financially secure, with millions in trust funds.
Any financial missteps they encounter are theirs to navigate, and the taxpayers won’t be bailing them out this time.
