and it could cost her a lot of money | Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Meghan Markle is facing another obstacle in the launch of her business American Riviera Orchard, which she first announced in March.
While many are hoping for the duchess’s homemade products such as jam to hit the shelves soon, Meghan has been hit with another setback after already facing a number of problems with the trademark and paperwork.
A similar-named company has lodged a letter of protest with the United States Patent and Trademark Office against the duchess’ company.
Royal Riviera, which is part of the Harry and David company selling premium food and gift products, similar to what Meghan plans to sell, has sent the letter based on the fact that people may become confused about the two brands with similar names.
The case has now reportedly been passed to the office’s examining attorney Marco Wright for determination.
This latest blow comes after Meghan, 43, first faced other issues with the trademark just weeks ago.
Last month, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) turned down an application regarding the name of her brand after Meghan as they told the duchess that businesses are not allowed to trademark geographic locations.
It has not been confirmed whether the name of the upcoming brand will therefore change.
Royal commentator Richard Eden said in The Daily Mail that he thinks Meghan’s approach to the business launch sets an example to others, and that the objection to the business name could become a “multi-billion dollar problem” for the duchess.
Writing in The Mail, Richard said: “Meghan was apparently so desperate for the news not to appear first in the Daily Mail that she immediately launched the Instagram page for her company, complete with a glitzy video.
“Eight months later, the company has still not started selling any goods and interest seems to be waning. A textbook example of how not to launch a business.”
A date for Meghan’s business launch remains unknown at this time, with over 600,000 people already following the brand’s Instagram page.