Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard has hit another major bump in the road, The Post can confirm.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has faced ongoing trademark troubles since announcing the brand’s impending launch in March.
On Thursday, the company was slapped with yet another trademark snafu — only this time, rival lifestyle brand Harry & David had filed a protest against American Riviera Orchard, claiming the name is far too similar to its “Royal Riviera” product line.
Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard has hit another major bump in the road, The Post can confirm. ZUMAPRESS.comIn documents obtained by The Post, the US Patent and Trademark Office received a protest filing on Oct. 31 from US-based premium food and gift retailer Harry & David.
The company’s “Royal Riviera” trademark is currently registered to the brand’s pear gift baskets, which are grown in Oregon.
The letter of protest, seen by The Post, says there is a “likelihood of confusion” for the trademark. The case has now been escalated to Marco Wright, the Trademark Office’s examining attorney.
The Post has reached out to Markle’s reps for comment.
Harry & David’s “Royal Riviera” trademark is currently registered to its pear gift baskets, which are grown in Oregon. Harry & DavidIn September, Markle’s trademark application was refused by the USPTO, who warned that businesses cannot trademark geographical locations.
American Riviera is a sweet nod to Santa Barbara, Calif., where Markle resides with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children.
Furthermore, the USPTO said the addition of the word Orchard “does not diminish the primarily geographical descriptiveness of the applied for mark.”
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has faced ongoing trademark troubles since announcing the brand’s impending launch in March. ZUMAPRESS.comIt added that since there is a location mentioned in the brand’s name, “a public association of the goods and services with the place is presumed.”
At the time, her team said the pushback was “routine and expected.” Sources told The Post that her camp was gearing up to respond in due course.
After the pushback, it was reported that Markle was considering changing the name of her lifestyle brand to avoid any more trademark hiccups. Anadolu via Getty ImagesThe former actress was given three months to address the response made by the USPTO, or risks having her application dropped. She has one month remaining.
Markle was also told to pay an additional $700 to move forward with the trademark filing.
After the pushback, it was reported that Markle was considering switching up the name of her lifestyle brand to avoid anymore trademark hiccups.
The mom of two unveiled her business venture in March — but eight months later, there’s still no release date or information about the products that customers can expect to be up for sale.
In April, Markle sent out jars of strawberry jam to an exclusive group of celebrities. Tracy Robbins / InstagramWhile products from her brand are not available for purchase yet, Markle sent out jars of strawberry jam to an exclusive group of celebs in April, prompting a “strong start” to the company’s rollout.






