Meghan Markle has hit a roadblock on her journey to launch her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, as the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has denied her trademark application.
This recent setback puts her ambitious plans on hold, which were meant to coincide with her brand’s anticipated launch.
Located in Santa Barbara, California, where Meghan lives with Prince Harry and their two children, the brand name pays homage to the picturesque region.
However, the USPTO’s ruling underscores a broader principle; businesses cannot trademark geographical names, as reported by The Telegraph.
On a recent Saturday, the USPTO clarified that the inclusion of the word ‘Orchard’ does not mitigate the primarily geographical nature of the name.
The office indicated that the existence of a location in the name implies a public linkage between the goods and services and the named place.
Markle’s representatives seem to be taking the refusal in stride, labeling it a “routine and expected” aspect of the trademark process.
They plan to respond appropriately to the USPTO’s feedback, which hints that they view the refusal as a minor hurdle rather than a full-blown crisis.
The USPTO also raised concerns about the vague descriptions of products Markle wishes to trademark, suggesting that her proposed offerings fell into various categories, thereby complicating her application.
This multifaceted nature added to the challenges she faces in getting her brand off the ground.
Interestingly, the document revealed that another Santa Barbara-based business is already using the term “American Riviera” to market a candle.
This demonstrates the popularity of the name within the locality, reinforcing the USPTO’s stance that geographic names should remain available for all local businesses.
With the clock ticking, Markle now has three months to address these issues or risk abandoning her trademark application.
As part of this process, she’ll also need to fork out an additional fee of $700 to continue pursuing her dream.
Launched in March, Markle’s brand teased its products but has yet to provide any specifics or a release date.
In an effort to generate early buzz, she sent jars of strawberry jam to a select group of celebrities in April.
This was meant to give her venture a “strong start,” yet the brand’s product roster remains a mystery.
Since then, she has sent gourmet dog biscuits to her celebrity friends and hinted at a future wine line.
Earlier reports suggested that Meghan could potentially rake in seven figures within her first year, underscoring the high stakes involved in this venture.
Although the brand’s Instagram boasts a healthy follower count of 614,000, it currently lacks substantial content or a purchasing feature.
To complicate matters further, securing a permanent CEO has proven difficult, as potential candidates reportedly shy away due to high turnover rates at Archewell, the couple’s nonprofit arm.
Insiders claim that despite these challenges, Meghan remains committed to her trademark ambitions.
Yet, the rejection has raised eyebrows about the feasibility of her plans in the highly competitive lifestyle market.
With a looming deadline to respond to the USPTO, Markle’s team may need to pivot their strategy altogether.
Rumors suggest they might even consider rebranding, taking inspiration from celebrities like Kim Kardashian who have successfully navigated similar waters in the past.
As Markle grapples with these trademark woes, it’s clear that the journey to launch American Riviera Orchard will not be a walk in the park.
The blend of ambition and setbacks illustrates the complexities of building a brand in today’s market—where the line between success and failure can be razor-thin.
Meghan’s business failures (2020-2025)
1. The Initial Post-Royal Vision (2020)
When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, it marked the beginning of what many expected to be a glittering new chapter in their lives, particularly for the former actress who seemed poised to dominate the entertainment and lifestyle industries.
With her Hollywood background and royal connections, Meghan appeared ready to transform her public persona into that of a content creator, entrepreneur, and advocate.
The cornerstone of this new beginning was laid with a landmark Netflix deal, reportedly worth up to $100 million.
The streaming agreement promised to be transformative, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex planning to produce documentaries, feature films, scripted shows, and children’s programming through their production company, Archewell Productions.
The vision was ambitious: to create content that would not only entertain but also inform, inspire, and drive social change.
The couple’s initial announcement emphasized their desire to create programming that would “inform and give hope,” highlighting their commitment to storytelling that could make a difference in viewers’ lives.
The Netflix deal was particularly significant as it represented one of the largest streaming contracts of its kind for newcomers to the production industry.
The streaming giant’s faith in the couple’s ability to deliver compelling content seemed to validate their decision to step away from royal duties and forge their own path in the entertainment industry.
However, this initial optimism would soon face significant challenges.
As one industry insider noted, “The transition from royal duties to content creation was perhaps more complex than initially anticipated.” The reality of delivering on such a high-profile deal would prove to be more challenging than the fairytale narrative might have suggested.
The period was characterized by high expectations and even higher stakes.
The couple’s departure from royal duties had been controversial, and there was intense pressure to prove that they could succeed independently.
Meghan, in particular, seemed determined to establish herself as more than just a former royal, drawing on her past experience in the entertainment industry to shape her new role.
This initial phase set the stage for what would become a complex journey through various business ventures, some successful and others less so, as Meghan worked to establish her post-royal identity in the American market.
2. Early Content Ventures (2021-2022)
The Bench Book Launch and Reception
In 2021, Meghan made her first major solo venture into content creation with the publication of her children’s book, “The Bench.” The 40-page picture book, reportedly earning her an advance of £500,000, was inspired by the relationship between Prince Harry and their son Archie.
However, the reception was far from the success story the Duchess might have hoped for.
According to Nielsen BookScan data reported by The Guardian, “The Bench” sold only 8,000 copies in the UK, numbers that were considered disappointing given Meghan’s profile.
The criticism from the literary community was particularly pointed, with several children’s authors expressing frustration about celebrities entering their field.
Author Joshua Seigal voiced this sentiment clearly: “These celebrities do not need any more money or exposure, but plenty of genuine writers do…Writing for children is an art. It requires skill, practice and discipline.”
Another author, James A Lyons, highlighted the contrast in experiences: “I sent out 180 queries across three manuscripts over four years. Non-celebrities face hundreds of rejections – and not a fast-tracked ticket to the front of the queue.”
Critics were particularly harsh in their assessment.
Royal author Alexander Larman noted, “I assumed prior to publication that a ghostwriter’s services would have been employed, but I now believe that this is indeed the work of Meghan, if only because I cannot believe a professional writer would have come up with something so entirely inessential.”
Pearl Animation Cancellation
Perhaps the most significant setback of this period was the cancellation of “Pearl,” Meghan’s planned animated series for Netflix.
The project, announced with considerable fanfare, was meant to be an empowering story following the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who finds inspiration in various influential women throughout history.
The series was still in the development stage when Netflix announced its cancellation in May 2022, amid what the company described as strategic decisions about animated series.
The project had assembled an impressive team, including:
- David Furnish as producer
- Carolyn Soper
- Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Liz Garbus and Dan Cogan
When first announced, Meghan had expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating: “Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges. I’m thrilled that Archewell Productions, partnered with the powerhouse platform of Netflix, and these incredible producers, will together bring you this new animated series.”
Harry & Meghan Documentary
The one bright spot in this period was the release of “Harry & Meghan,” their Netflix documentary series which proved to be a significant success.
The series, which detailed their decision to step down as working royals, achieved impressive viewing figures:
- 81.55 million hours of viewing time in its first four days
- Became one of Netflix’s biggest documentary debuts ever
- Generated substantial global media coverage and public discussion
The success of “Harry & Meghan” demonstrated that there was indeed significant public interest in their story when told in their own words.
However, this success would prove difficult to replicate in their subsequent ventures.
3. Audio Ventures and Setbacks (2022-2023)
Archetypes Podcast Launch
In August 2022, Meghan launched “Archetypes,” a podcast that aimed to “investigate, dissect, and subvert the labels that try to hold women back.” The show started with considerable promise and high-profile guests, including:
- Serena Williams
- Mariah Carey
- Paris Hilton
- Mindy Kaling
- Constance Wu
- Trevor Noah
The podcast was positioned as a thoughtful exploration of gender stereotypes and female empowerment, themes that aligned well with Meghan’s public advocacy.
Each episode featured in-depth conversations with guests about their experiences navigating various labels and stereotypes in their careers and personal lives.
Spotify Deal Termination
However, by June 2023, the Spotify partnership came to an abrupt end.
The deal, reportedly worth $20 million, was terminated after just one season of “Archetypes” and 12 episodes.
The fallout from this termination was particularly public and contentious.
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek later provided insight into the decision in a BBC interview, suggesting that listener satisfaction was a key factor.
As he explained: “We thought new innovation was needed here.
We thought we can come in and offer a great experience that both makes consumers very happy and allows new creators new avenues.”
He added tellingly, “And the truth of the matter is, some of it has worked, some of it hasn’t.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that the couple “hadn’t met the productivity benchmarks required to receive the full payout from the deal.”
Under the original 2020 agreement, they were supposed to produce and host “programming that uplifts and entertains audiences around the world,” but only managed to deliver the 12 episodes of “Archetypes.”
Industry Response
The termination triggered sharp criticism from industry figures.
Most notably:
- Bill Simmons, who had sold The Ringer to Spotify for $200 million, called the Sussexes “f***ing grifters” on his podcast, adding, “I gotta get drunk one night and tell the story of the Zoom I had with Harry to try and help him with a podcast idea.It’s one of my best stories.”
- Jeremy Zimmer, CEO of United Talent Agency (UTA), made headlines with his critique at the Cannes advertising festival: “Turns out Meghan Markle was not a great audio talent, or necessarily any kind of talent.And, you know, just because you’re famous doesn’t make you great at something.”
However, some defended Meghan’s work.
Andy Cohen, who appeared on “Archetypes,” pushed back against claims that she didn’t conduct her own interviews: “That’s an insane rumour.
Her podcast is conversations with people.
How would she not have?” He added that his conversation with her was “quite well-researched,” “well-informed,” and “thoughtful.”
The end of the Spotify deal marked a significant setback in Meghan’s attempts to establish herself as a content creator, raising questions about her ability to deliver consistently engaging content that could justify major platform investments.
4. Netflix Projects and Challenges (2023-2024)
Following their initial success with “Harry & Meghan,” the couple’s subsequent Netflix ventures met with increasingly lukewarm reception.
The period saw the release of several projects that failed to capture public imagination in the same way as their personal documentary.
Heart of Invictus and Live to Lead
“Heart of Invictus,” which followed competitors in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, and “Live to Lead,” a series about influential leaders, both failed to make significant impacts.
Neither show managed to crack Netflix’s top ten list, setting a concerning pattern for their future projects.
Polo Documentary
The release of “Polo” in December 2024 marked a particular low point in their Netflix journey.
The five-part series, which followed elite global players competing in the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, was met with scathing reviews and poor viewership numbers.
Despite Harry’s personal connection to the sport and his enthusiastic statement that the series would offer “an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players,” the show failed to resonate with audiences.
Critical reception was particularly harsh:
- The Guardian gave it two stars, calling it “unintentionally hilarious” and suggesting it “feels like a spoof documentary designed to play on screens in the background of episodes of Succession”
- Critics labeled it “tedious” and “utterly unrelatable”
- The show received a disappointing 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes
A source close to the production told Closer magazine that Harry and Meghan had limited creative control: “Truth is, it was pretty much out of their control.
The bosses wanted the series to appeal to the masses and pushed this reality TV slant so it’s not entirely their fault.”
Planned Cooking Show
As of early 2024, there were plans for Meghan to star in a cooking and lifestyle show that would “celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.” The show, which reportedly completed filming in summer 2024, was intended to complement her American Riviera Orchard brand.
However, following the poor performance of “Polo,” sources began expressing doubts about the show’s future.
A Netflix insider told the Daily Mail that the cooking show “may not see the light of day,” while others suggested it could be “make or break” for the Sussexes’ relationship with the streaming platform.
The same source delivered a stark assessment of their future prospects with Netflix: “There won’t be another deal.
There may be one-offs, but that’s it.” Another California-based source added: “It’s make or break.
People say Netflix are exhausted.”
With their $100 million Netflix deal set to expire in Autumn 2025, the pressure to deliver a successful project has intensified.
Industry insiders have suggested that any future deals are unlikely to match the scale of their initial agreement, given the limited content produced and mixed reception of their shows.
5. American Riviera Orchard Launch (2024)
In March 2024, Meghan launched her most ambitious solo venture to date: American Riviera Orchard, a lifestyle brand focusing on home, garden, food, and lifestyle products.
The brand was positioned to rival established names like Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, with plans to sell:
- Cutlery
- Recipe books
- Tablecloths
- Napkins
- Jams and preserves
- Various kitchenware items
Initial Launch and Marketing Strategy
The launch began with a soft rollout on social media and a website featuring only the brand’s logo and a waitlist signup option.
The first product release was a limited edition strawberry jam, distributed to approximately 50 carefully selected influencers and celebrities, including:
- Kris Jenner
- Chrissy Teigen
- John Legend
Royal biographer Emily Andrews told Grazia magazine that the brand aimed to position Meghan as a “beacon of inspiration, aspiration and attainability.” The strategy was to focus on “affordable elegance” while promoting Meghan’s image as a “family-orientated yet ‘regal’ figure.”
Trademark Challenges
However, the brand quickly encountered significant legal hurdles:
- USPTO Rejection: The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a “nonfinal officer action” on the trademark application, giving Meghan a three-month window to respond or risk abandonment of the application.
- Harry & David Protest: The food company Harry & David filed a protest against the trademarking of American Riviera Orchard, claiming it was too similar to their own ‘Royal Riviera’ trademark.Their letter of protest cited a “likelihood of confusion” between the brands.
The trademark applications were filed through Mama Knows Best, LLC, registered at the same Beverly Hills address as Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Organisation.
Staffing and Management Issues
The brand faced significant operational challenges:
- Reports emerged that 18 staff members had left the business by August 2024
- The search for a CEO proved unsuccessful
- Sources claimed Meghan ultimately appointed herself as CEO
PR expert Nick Ede criticized the launch strategy: “From a brand point of view, as an expert in that, I think whoever has been helping her has done it really wrong, especially with Riviera Orchard.”
He elaborated that while the initial steps of building anticipation and sending products to celebrities were “brand 101,” the subsequent lack of follow-through was problematic.
“Then suddenly Meghan halts, and you have no there’s no through line, there’s no story, and you can’t get it back,” Ede noted.
He particularly criticized the lack of clear consumer engagement opportunities: “There’s no, ‘Oh my god, I can buy jam, or I can get a t-shirt, or I can go on the site and register my name, and it gives me a newsletter with all the information.’ There’s literally nothing.”
6. Rebranding Efforts (2025)
On New Year’s Day 2025, Meghan made a symbolic fresh start by launching her personal Instagram account under the simple username ‘meghan’.
The launch video, filmed by Prince Harry, showed her running along a beach near their Montecito home, writing ‘2025’ in the sand and laughing – a metaphorical drawing of a line under previous setbacks.
This return to social media marked what appeared to be a deliberate pivot in her public persona and business strategy.
At 43, Meghan seemed to be carving out a more independent path, in what sources have described as a “professional split” from Prince Harry’s ventures.
The timing of this relaunch was significant, coming after a challenging period that saw:
- The disappointing reception of the “Polo” documentary
- Ongoing challenges with American Riviera Orchard
- The pending expiration of their Netflix deal
- Growing scrutiny from entertainment industry figures
New Business Strategy
The rebranding effort appears to focus more on Meghan’s individual identity rather than the couple’s joint ventures.
This shift is evident in:
- The simplification of her social media presence (using just ‘meghan’ as her username)
- A more casual, accessible public image
- Greater emphasis on her lifestyle and entrepreneurial ventures
- Focus on California-centric branding
Future Plans and Projects
As of early 2025, several projects remain in various stages of development:
- The potential Netflix cooking show, though its future remains uncertain
- The full launch of American Riviera Orchard, pending trademark resolutions
- Possible new content ventures as the Netflix deal approaches its conclusion
Industry Reception
The reception to this rebranding effort has been mixed.
While some industry observers see it as a necessary reset, others remain skeptical.
A Netflix insider told the Daily Mail that A-list celebrities are “actively keeping away from them and events they are apparently going to attend,” adding that one celebrity commented, “it’s not a good look to be around them.”
7. Analysis and Impact
The trajectory of Meghan Markle‘s post-royal business ventures reveals a pattern of ambitious launches followed by significant challenges.
Key observations include:
- High-Profile Partnerships:
- Initial success in securing major deals (Netflix, Spotify)
- Difficulty in maintaining these partnerships long-term
- Challenges in meeting content production expectations
- Brand Development:
- Multiple attempts to establish different facets of her personal brand
- Inconsistent execution of business strategies
- Ongoing struggle to find the right market positioning
- Public Perception:
- Shifting from initial high expectations to increasing skepticism
- Mixed reception from industry figures and critics
- Continued media scrutiny affecting brand development
- Future Prospects:
- Uncertain future in content production
- Potential focus on lifestyle brand development
- Need for more consistent strategy execution
The story of Meghan’s business evolution from 2020 to 2025 illustrates the challenges of transitioning from royal life to independent entrepreneurship, highlighting both the opportunities and pitfalls of celebrity-driven business ventures in the modern media landscape.
