Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Brand Faces Another Setback

Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has encountered a stumbling block ahead of its official launch due to certain trademark issues. The US Patents and Trademarks Office identified several mislabelled items planned for sale, including yoga mats and picnic labels, which need correction.

The errors, discovered in July, will require an estimated $11,382 (around £9,000) to fix. Reports suggest that Netflix, which is set to take over the commercial production of the brand in anticipation of Meghan’s new cooking show, will cover these costs.

American Riviera Orchard first came to light earlier this year when the Duchess of Sussex, 42, established a website and Instagram page for the brand. While the pages did not showcase its products, they revealed the brand’s logo, the abbreviation “ARO,” and the word “Montecito,” referencing the California town where Meghan resides with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Initial product offerings were subtly introduced on social media by Meghan’s celebrity friends and influencers, who received exclusive batches of raspberry and strawberry jam, as well as dog biscuits. An insider shared with Page Six that Meghan plans to offer products that are particularly meaningful to her, including rosé wine.

This isn’t Meghan’s first venture into the lifestyle market. Prior to marrying into the royal family in 2018, she ran a successful lifestyle blog called The Tig. The brand was officially launched through an Instagram video featuring Meghan arranging flowers and cooking, accompanied by Nancy Wilson’s song “I Wish You Love.”

The Daily Mail cites a source indicating that the brand aims to position Meghan as “a beacon of inspiration, aspiration, and attainability.”

Social media buzz for American Riviera Orchard has been building. Fashion designer Tracy Robbins, after sharing the jam on social media, wrote: “@AmericanRivieraOrchard breakfast, lunch, and dinner just got a little sweeter.” She continued with a photo of the jam in a basket of lemons, adding: “Thank you for the delicious basket! I absolutely love this jam so not sure I’m sharing with anyone. @AmericanRivieraOrchard Thank you, M! #MontecitoGoodness #AmericanRivieraOrchard.”

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, the company has also filed applications to sell downloadable and printed recipe books, tableware, and textiles.

The Independent has reached out to Netflix and a representative for Meghan Markle for comment.

Source: Page Six, The Daily Mail, The Independent