Meghan Markle Seeks More Time to Resolve Trademark Issues for American Riviera Orchard Brand
Meghan Markle has reportedly requested an extension from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to address challenges surrounding her trademark application for her brand, American Riviera Orchard (ARO). According to a report in the New York Post, the Duchess of Sussex’s legal team has filed for a three-month extension as she works to resolve ongoing hurdles in securing the trademark.
The request for more time comes after a series of setbacks since the brand was first announced in March. Markle has faced multiple challenges in her efforts to launch her new business, which remains without any released products.
One major obstacle surfaced on November 1, when rival company Harry & David filed a challenge against the trademark application, claiming that American Riviera Orchard was too similar to its own “Royal Riviera” product line. This followed an earlier setback in September, when the USPTO rejected Markle’s trademark application, citing concerns over the use of geographical names in business trademarks.
Markle had launched an official website and Instagram page for American Riviera Orchard in March, unveiling the brand’s name “ARO” and logo, alongside the term Montecito, which references the California town where Markle resides with Prince Harry and their two children.
As Markle navigates these legal obstacles, the extension request is the latest development in the ongoing process of establishing her brand, which remains in its early stages. Despite the challenges, the Duchess of Sussex is determined to press forward with her business plans.
