Wednesday, January 15, 2025 03:34 PM
Meghan Markle faces a legal setback delaying her brand launch, raising concerns about her business and marriage.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is currently facing significant challenges as she prepares to launch her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. This setback comes in the form of a legal issue that has arisen, preventing her from securing a trademark for her brand. The situation has resulted in a delay of three months for the anticipated launch, which has understandably left Meghan feeling frustrated and upset.
According to royal biographer Angela Levin, Meghan is "very angry" about the situation. If the legal case continues, she may find herself back at square one, which is a daunting prospect for any entrepreneur. Levin shared that Meghan has requested an additional three months to address the trademark application deadline. However, if the issue is not resolved within this timeframe, the entire process will need to be restarted, potentially adding another year to the timeline.
The delay is primarily due to a protest filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Harry & David, the owners of the existing "Royal Riviera" trademark. Levin pointed out that Meghan could easily alleviate her worries by simply "changing the name" of her brand, as the name she has chosen is already associated with a well-known area in Montecito. However, it seems that Meghan is determined to stick with her original choice, which Levin suggests is making the situation unnecessarily complicated.
This legal hurdle comes at a time when Meghan and Prince Harry are reportedly experiencing a professional separation, following a series of setbacks with their Sussex brand. Levin hinted that this separation could lead to more significant issues in their marriage, although no official comments have been made by the couple regarding these claims.
The challenges facing Meghan Markle as she attempts to launch her lifestyle brand highlight the complexities of entrepreneurship, especially in the public eye. While legal issues can be daunting, they also present an opportunity for growth and adaptation. As Meghan navigates this difficult period, it will be interesting to see how she responds and whether she can turn this setback into a stepping stone for future success.