

Securing a trademark is essential for any business looking to create a distinctive identity in the ever- changing branding and intellectual property landscape. The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently negotiated this complex procedure with her lifestyle company, which she originally called “American Riviera Orchard.” Due to difficulties with her trademark application, Markle has purposefully changed her brand to “As Ever,” reflecting a new direction for her business ventures and a reaction to legal obstacles.
After receiving input from the USPTO, Meghan Markle and her team started a rebranding process that ended with adopting the name “As Ever.” This new brand identity was introduced in February 2025, along with a new logo and website. A break from the geographically constrained “American Riviera Orchard,” the rebranding offers a broader global appeal and lowers the possibility of trademark disputes.
Often used as a farewell in her letters, “As Ever” captures Markle’s individuality and embodies the brand’s ageless and genuine values. The product line will anticipate featuring culinary items, home goods, and personal care items that complement Markle’s crafting, cooking, and gardening hobbies. The application also had problems since it was too similar to already-registered trademarks, which would confuse customers. To guarantee successful trademark registration and brand uniqueness, Meghan and her team decided to rethink the brand’s name in response to these difficulties.
The “American Riviera Orchard” trademark’s first rejection emphasizes how crucial it is to carry out in-depth research and choose a brand name that is both unique and complies with trademark laws. Because they lack the distinctiveness necessary for trademark protection and have the potential to mislead customers about the origin of items, geographically descriptive names frequently encounter obstacles.
Unavoidably, the need to rename and resolve trademark concerns has affected the release schedule for “As Ever.” The deployment of the brand, which was initially planned for an earlier launch, has been modified to allow for the rebranding process and guarantee that all legal safeguards are in place. Even while they might be difficult, these delays are essential to building a solid and legally sound brand basis.
Additionally, product descriptions in trademark applications must be specific. Excessively general terminology might result in rejections or legal issues, highlighting the necessity of exact wording that precisely outlines the range of products or services provided. Consulting with intellectual property legal experts can help ensure applications meet all regulatory criteria and pass inspections.
The rebranding to “As Ever” has sparked a lot of excitement from the public, and Meghan Markle has teased the brand’s look on social media. To build excitement before the brand’s formal launch, a vision board with handwritten notes, motivational sayings, and product teasers was posted on Instagram.
The trip hasn’t been without controversy, though. Concerns over possible trademark conflicts have been raised by several company owners with similar brand names, underscoring the difficulties well- known individuals may have differentiating their businesses in crowded marketplaces. Furthermore, Markle has come under fire for her attempts to use her royalties for financial advantage; this storyline is still a topic of discussion in public places.
As we advance, “As Ever”‘s success will rely on its capacity to connect with customers via genuine narrative and high-caliber products. On March 4, 2025, Markle’s new cookery program “With Love, Meghan,” which will debut on Netflix, will coincide with the brand’s launch. By engaging people across channels and cultivating a devoted clientele, this multimedia strategy seeks to provide a unified brand experience.
Entrepreneurs and brand developers may learn a lot from Meghan Markle’s experience with trademark applications:
∙ Do Thorough Research: Before deciding on a brand name, make sure it is distinctive and devoid of descriptive or geographic characteristics that can make trademark clearance more difficult.
∙ Engage Legal Expertise: It takes a certain understanding to navigate trademark laws. Seeking advice from intellectual property lawyers can expedite the application process and help anticipate any problems.
∙ Be Ready for Iteration: It’s normal to have early failures like application rejections. Stronger and more resilient company strategies might result from seeing these obstacles as chances to improve and fortify the brand.
∙ Maintaining Authenticity: By relating the brand to Markle’s beliefs and passions, as she has done with “As Ever,” the brand builds real relationships with its target market and increases brand loyalty.
The change from “American Riviera Orchard” to “As Ever” is a prime example of the difficulties in building a brand under intellectual property laws. Meghan Markle’s proactive approach to overcoming these obstacles emphasizes flexibility, careful planning, and genuineness for creating a brand that appeals to customers and endures.
The excitement around Meghan Markle’s latest endeavor is growing as “As Ever” approaches its premiere. The company is well-positioned to significantly affect the lifestyle industry with careful preparation and a clear goal. Secure your brand’s identity by trademarking or patenting it for a successful commercial journey. Stay a step ahead with Brealant’s IP professional’s advice.