The Duchess of Sussex's ambitious business venture, American Riviera Orchard, has encountered a substantial obstacle that could reshape its future direction. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has delivered a major blow by refusing a key trademark application central to the brand's expansion plans.
What Went Wrong with the Trademark?
Legal documents reveal that the USPTO rejected the application on several grounds, citing it as "too vague" and failing to sufficiently specify the types of products Meghan intends to sell. The application sought protection for an extensive range of goods including:
- Various food items and edible oils
- Multiple types of beverages
- An extensive selection of jams and preserves
- Household utensils and cookware
The broad nature of the application proved problematic, with officials noting that it covered too many categories without adequate specificity about the actual products consumers could expect.
The Significance of This Setback
This rejection represents more than just bureaucratic red tape. Without this crucial trademark protection, American Riviera Orchard faces significant limitations in its ability to:
- Expand its product line beyond current offerings
- Protect its brand identity across multiple categories
- Establish a comprehensive lifestyle brand as originally envisioned
The timing is particularly challenging given the brand's recent high-profile launch and the sending of exclusive jam gifts to numerous celebrities and influencers.
What Happens Next for American Riviera Orchard?
Meghan's legal team now faces a critical decision-making period. They must either:
- Appeal the decision through formal legal channels
- Submit a substantially revised application with clearer product definitions
- Accept the limitations and proceed with a narrower business focus
The outcome of this trademark battle could fundamentally alter the scale and scope of Meghan's entrepreneurial ambitions, potentially forcing a rethink of the entire brand strategy.
This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Sussexes' commercial ventures and raises questions about the viability of their transition from royal duties to business entrepreneurship.
