Meghan Markle's highly anticipated Netflix show, linked to her lifestyle and cooking brand "American Riviera Orchard," has been pushed back to mid-2025. The delay is reportedly linked to the Duchess of Sussex's ongoing struggles with trademark issues for her burgeoning brand.
The programme, which is still untitled, was initially slated for an earlier release. However, the global trademark difficulties faced by Meghan may have prompted Netflix to adjust the timeline. The Duchess has sought to trademark "American Riviera Orchard" for international use, aiming for a full-scale launch of her brand.
However, in July â four months after filing the trademark application â the US Patents and Trademarks Office flagged several "irregularities" requiring "corrections." The agency reportedly notified the Sussexes' legal team of issues including incorrect classification of certain products, such as yoga blankets, picnic baskets, and recipe books. Further, the agency stipulated that fees totalling nearly £9,000 were due to various bodies around the world for registration.
Despite the setbacks, details about "American Riviera Orchard" remain scarce. The company is expected to focus on home, garden, and general lifestyle content. Initial marketing efforts included sending jars of strawberry jam to 50 influencers, who shared the product with their followers online.
Royal commentator Tom Quinn has suggested that Prince Harry is limited in his ability to assist with his wife's business venture. Speaking to The Mirror, Quinn stated that Harry "has never had any real idea about becoming an entrepreneur or a businessman." He added that "his one hundred per cent support for his wife and her business ventures has never wavered - but it hasn't been enough to make a success of her company."
Quinn concluded that Meghan's experience highlights the fact that "self-belief won't always guarantee success. It won't always make you a great entrepreneur and businesswoman."
While the trademark hurdles may have contributed to the delay, it remains to be seen how this will impact the long-term success of Meghan Markle's brand and her Netflix show.
