Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, has hit a snag before it even officially opens its doors.

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has rejected Markle's trademark application, citing the geographical nature of the name.

The USPTO argues that  'American Riviera' is too closely tied to Santa Barbara, California, where Markle lives, and therefore can't be trademarked.  Think about it: would you expect a business named 'New York Pizza' to be able to trademark that name exclusively?  It seems pretty obvious that the name directly links to a location.

The USPTO also pointed out that Markle's product descriptions could fit into various categories, adding to the complexity.  This raises the question: could the brand be too broad in its scope?  Perhaps focusing on a specific niche could make the trademark application stronger.

Markle's team isn't fazed, calling this a routine part of the process. They have three months to respond and potentially appeal the decision.  They'll also need to shell out an extra $700 to keep the application moving forward.

While this setback might delay the launch, Markle has already started generating buzz. She's sent out jars of strawberry jam to celebrities, prompting a lot of online chatter.  This 'exclusive preview' strategy seems to be working, but will it be enough to overcome the trademark hurdle?

There are still many questions swirling around American Riviera Orchard.  What exactly will the brand offer?  Will it focus on food products, home decor, or something else entirely?  And how will Markle navigate the challenges of building a successful brand while maintaining her privacy?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world is watching.

Meghan Markle's Riviera Dreams: Trademark Troubles and a Jam-Packed Launch?

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