Meghan Markle’s getting back into the lifestyle arena with American Riviera Orchard. But what’s happening with her brand? After influencer campaigns featuring jam and dog treats in the spring of 2024, the Duchess of Sussex still hasn’t officially launched her lifestyle brand. The reason, according to a royal commentator, is a “multi-billion dollar problem.”
Meghan unveiled American Riviera Orchard in March 2024
On March 14, 2024, Meghan announced American Riviera Orchard on Instagram, launching a page for the brand. It featured nine tiles showing the brand’s name in Meghan’s signature loopy calligraphy with “by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex” and “Established 2024” in the bio along with a link to the brand’s website.
Meghan also unveiled her brand with a short Instagram Stories clip showing her arranging flowers, cooking, and wearing a black gown as Nancy Wilson’s “I Love You Love,” played.
Since then, the website and Instagram have not changed. The nine posts remain on Instagram and the website still takes visitors to a wait list.
Trademark application setbacks for Meghan’s lifestyle brand
An issue with American Riviera Orchard’s trademark application has reportedly put the brakes on the launch—or at least slowed it down. According to The Daily Mail, Meghan’s lifestyle brand is getting some pushback on the name.
A firm owning the trademark “Royal Riviera” reportedly submitted a “protest” to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. “The owner, Harry & David, is an American institution, founded in 1934, with annual sales of £1.7billion and 3,300 staff,” the report said.
The protest, the outlet noted, was “deemed relevant” because of the “likelihood of confusion.” It’s since been referred to Marco Wright, the USPTO’s examining attorney.
The situation, royal commentator Richard Eden told the publication, could be costly for Meghan. “Her bid to trademark the American Riviera Orchard name has run into what might be described as a multi-billion dollar problem,” he said.
Meghan’s trademark application previously hit a snag in September 2024 amid reports it had been rejected due to wording about specific products being too broad.
Wine is expected to be the first American Riviera Orchard product launch
Although jam was the first American Riviera Orchard product the public saw, it won’t be the first one Meghan releases. Rosé wine will, according to multiple reports. This might not surprise fans of Meghan’s old blog, The Tig, which got its name from her favorite wine, Tignanello. Per Tatler, rosé is Meghan’s “drink of choice.”
When American Riviera Orchard’s rosé becomes available, other products will soon follow. “To complement the reported wine launch, it’s expected that other products in the initial tranche of releases will be drinking and serving ware, bar essentials, and other products related to hosting and entertaining,” The Daily Mail reported. “We can expect items in classic, but expensive, style.”
Will Meghan use American Riviera Orchard products on her upcoming Netflix show about cooking and gardening? Will either of them—the brand or show—launch before 2024 ends or get underway in 2025? Fans have to wait and see because no launch dates for American Riviera Orchard and the show have been announced.
