Meghan Markle considering major U-turn after three-month deadline imposed
Meghan Markle is considering a major U-turn after a three-month deadline was imposed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Meghan Markle is considering a major U-turn after a three-month deadline was imposed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The Duchess of Sussex's American Riviera Orchard brand has hit a significant roadblock after its trademark application was rejected.
Meghan now has three months to respond to the "nonfinal officer action" issued by the USPTO, with failure to do so potentially resulting in the application's abandonment.
The USPTO outlined several reasons for rejecting Meghan's trademark application in a 48-page document.
Meghan Markle is considering a major U-turn after a three-month deadline was imposed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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These included the need to clarify goods descriptions, comply with multiple-class application rules, and disclaim descriptive terms related to 'Riviera'.
Officials deemed the descriptions for items like 'cocktail napkins', 'pans', and 'cooking utensils' too vague.
The trademark bid also risked refusal due to its geographically descriptive nature, which could prevent others from describing their products.
Meghan is now considering changing the name of her lifestyle brand, according to a source.
Meghan is now considering changing the name of her lifestyle brand, according to a source.
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They told the Express: "The team are thinking of backups as we speak just in case.
"It will be a rather costly measure if they have to change the name at this late stage due to all the branding, but it won't be the end of the world."
Meghan has three months to respond to these issues or her application could be abandoned.
The Duchess of Sussex was also told to pay an additional $700 (£532) to proceed after initially failing to pay the correct fee.
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Meghan had previously sent jars of jam to her famous friends and influencers which generated a social media buzz around the product.
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The setback comes amid delays in product launches as the brand has yet to offer any products for sale to the public, despite a glitzy Instagram launch five months ago.
American Riviera Orchard's current status remains uncertain, with no products available for public purchase.
The brand's Instagram page and website are bare, offering no option for customers to buy items.
Meghan had previously sent jars of jam to her famous friends and influencers which generated a social media buzz around the product.