Meghan Markle is going forward with her plans for her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which began sending out samples to select influencers earlier this spring. According to a trademark filing, the process is still ongoing, with representatives at the US Patent and Trademarks Office objecting to a few aspects of the name and a previous application’s description of the brand’s calligraphic logo. Despite reports claiming otherwise, the news doesn’t necessarily represent a setback for the brand, which is reportedly preparing for a wider launch later this year.
A source close to the duchess said that the process is still ongoing. “American Riviera Orchard, as part of its on-going Trademark Application, has received several office actions,” they told Vanity Fair. “These are routine and expected when filing for trademarks.”
According to the Daily Mail, Markle’s legal representation has already gone through two rounds of back and forth about the logo, name, and company’s intended products. In a “non-final” action document, the PTO mentions trademark law related to the patent of geographic locations and the wording of other aspects of the application.
Markle first announced her plans to start her own brand with an Instagram account and website in March. American Riviera Orchard’s first announced product was a jar of raspberry jam that she sent to friends including Chrissy Teigen, Kris Jenner, Tracy Robbins and Delfina Blaquier.
In an August interview with the New York Times, Meghan explained that the investments that she has made in women-owned businesses, including Cesta Collective, have helped her launch her own brand. “When people are online looking for things or reading things, I’m trying to find great new designers, especially in different territories,” she said. “Investing in them has helped me line up for this chapter where I’m investing in myself,” the duchess said. The newspaper added that Markle’s portfolio now includes between five and 10 brands.
