Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are facing a hefty fine of $150,000 for infringing on trademark archetypes.
This setback comes hot on the heels of their recent fallout with Spotify, where a lucrative $20 million deal was abruptly terminated.
The royal couple's attempt to secure exclusive rights to the name “archetypes” for their podcast has hit a major roadblock, as US officials rejected their trademark application.
The rejection by the US Patent and Trademark Office stemmed from concerns about potential confusion with an existing brand owned by Archetypes LLC, a company based in Arizona.
The firm had previously obtained exclusive rights to the name in 2015 for a range of products related to nutrition, fitness, and self-improvement literature.
Meghan and Harry's desired use of the name encompassed downloadable audio recordings and podcasts focusing on women's cultural issues and stereotypes.
Complicating matters further, it was revealed that both Meghan and Harry failed to sign the initial application submitted to the regulatory body, raising questions about their attention to detail in legal matters.
Failure to substantiate Meghan's claim to the archetypes could result in a lawsuit against her.
To establish trademark infringement, the plaintiff must demonstrate the validity of the mark and unauthorized use by the defendant in commerce.
Penalties for infringement can range from $750,000 to $30,000 per violation, with intentional breaches warranting fines of up to $150,000.
Critics have pointed out Meghan's recurring missteps in trademark matters, citing a similar blunder last year involving the TIG trademark reactivation.
The public reaction has been mixed, with some questioning Meghan's attempt to monopolize a common term like “archetypes” for personal gain.
The irony of a couple born into wealth positioning themselves as champions of empowerment and aspiration has not gone unnoticed.
In the court of public opinion, Meghan and Harry's credibility has taken a hit, especially in the UK where the concept of royalty holds significant cultural weight.
However, in the more meritocratic landscape of the US, their actions have been met with skepticism and disdain.
The couple's misguided attempts at branding themselves as symbols of empowerment have backfired, with many viewing their actions as tone-deaf and out of touch.
The fallout from the trademark debacle has tarnished Meghan and Harry's reputation, with public interest waning in anything associated with them, including the ill-fated archetypes venture.
The widespread mockery of Meghan's apparent ignorance of the word's meaning has further eroded their standing in the eyes of the public.
As they struggle to salvage their image, it appears that the once-beloved couple may have lost the trust and support of their audience for good.
