Meghan Markle Sued Again Over Lifestyle Brand

Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is hitting yet another wall in its uphill battle for a trademark, with US-based premium food giant Harry & David now entering the fray.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has been facing persistent trademark struggles since announcing her new venture in March—and this latest snag marks one of the most significant yet.

On Thursday, Harry & David lodged a formal complaint, claiming that the name American Riviera Orchard treads a bit too close to their established “Royal Riviera” line. Known for their iconic pear gift baskets grown in Oregon, Harry & David argue that Markle’s brand name could easily mislead consumers.

“There is a clear likelihood of confusion between the two names,” reads the complaint submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), obtained by The Post. The case has now escalated to the attention of USPTO examining attorney Marco Wright, who will assess the validity of the objection.

The origins of Harry & David’s “Royal Riviera” line date back decades, with the name becoming synonymous with high-end pears and gourmet baskets. This history is the backbone of their argument, with representatives noting that the brand’s identity is firmly tied to its Royal Riviera label.

Meanwhile, Markle’s ambitious venture into the lifestyle brand world has been anything but smooth. Just last month, her initial trademark application was blocked by the USPTO, citing that “American Riviera Orchard” contains a geographic term—“Riviera”—which cannot be trademarked without clear distinction from its geographic origin. The agency asserted that the addition of “Orchard” does not sufficiently alter the regional implications of the brand name.

“It’s not unusual to see applications with geographical ties face pushback,” a USPTO spokesperson explained. “We expect applicants to demonstrate distinctiveness or risk losing the right to register.”

For Markle, who resides with Prince Harry and their two children in Santa Barbara, the name “American Riviera” is a nod to their California coastal home, known affectionately as the American Riviera. However, this local inspiration has inadvertently sparked a string of hurdles.

In a statement following the initial refusal in September, Markle’s team called the setback “routine and expected,” with sources suggesting they were ready to counter the USPTO’s concerns. However, as of now, the Duchess has only one month left to address these issues—or risk having her application dropped entirely. Additionally, she has been asked to pay an extra $700 to continue her trademark pursuit.

Insiders hint that Markle’s team may be considering a name change for the brand in light of the multiple obstacles. Initially teased with small exclusive product previews, like strawberry jam gifted to Hollywood pals, the brand is reportedly set to offer a variety of items, including dog biscuits and a possible rosé wine range. Still, eight months after her announcement, American Riviera Orchard remains largely under wraps, with no formal release date in sight.