Meghan Markle has encountered another setback in her efforts to establish her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a scathing response to her recent trademark application, further complicating her plans.

The USPTO’s review, detailed in a “non-final action” document obtained by The Mail, highlights significant issues with both the description and the visual representation of the brand’s logo. According to the document, Meghan’s application was rejected because the depiction of the letter “O” in the logo was deemed “unrecognizable” and inconsistent with the provided description. The examining attorney noted that the current mark description does not accurately reflect the design elements of the logo, particularly the stylization of the letter “O,” which has become highly stylized and difficult to identify.

The USPTO has suggested that Meghan amend the description to better match the logo’s design. The proposed revised description includes a double-lined octagon enclosing stylized and overlapping letters “AR,” with decorative looping lines and a stylized flower incorporated into the letter “A.” This suggestion aims to provide a more accurate representation of the brand’s logo.

In addition to the logo issues, the USPTO has raised concerns about the descriptions of the goods Meghan plans to market under her brand. The office found some descriptions, such as “bath soap, cocktail napkins, pans, cooking utensils, yoga blankets, and meditation blankets,” to be overly broad. The agency recommended more precise classifications to avoid confusion and ensure that the descriptions accurately reflect the products offered.

The latest document also suggested additional wording to clarify the classifications of items like stationery sets, which include letter openers, envelopes, printed note cards, holiday cards, and other paper goods. This recommendation is intended to ensure that Meghan’s descriptions meet the trademark office’s standards for specificity and accuracy.

As Meghan prepares for the launch of American Riviera Orchard, these trademark challenges represent a significant hurdle. The brand, which aims to offer a range of lifestyle products including stationery and home goods, will need to address these issues to proceed with its trademark registration successfully.

The Duchess of Sussex’s representatives have been approached for comment regarding the USPTO’s findings and the steps they plan to take to resolve these issues. The outcome of this process will be crucial in determining the future of Meghan’s brand and its ability to compete in the U.S. market.