Meghan Markle's latest entrepreneurial endeavor, American Riviera Orchard, is facing serious turbulence, raising eyebrows in both the business world and the public eye. Launched with much fanfare earlier this year, the brand aimed to be a luxury lifestyle and home goods empire. However, six months later, it seems that the Duchess of Sussex is in over her head, with nothing to show but trademark troubles, missed deadlines, and speculation about the venture’s future.
So, what went wrong, and what lessons can be learned from this high-profile blunder?
One of the most glaring issues surrounding American Riviera Orchard is its ill-fated name. As many experts have pointed out, attempting to trademark a geographical location like "American Riviera," a term associated with Santa Barbara, California, is a legal nightmare.
It’s akin to trying to trademark “New York City” or “Hollywood”—a logistical impossibility. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected Markle's application, citing geographical descriptiveness, making it nearly impossible for her to protect the brand name legally.
"It’s business 101," remarked one industry insider. "Naming your brand after a location without doing your homework is a rookie mistake.
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