Meghan Markle Faces Legal Setback Over “Archetypes” Trademark

In a significant twist for Meghan Markle, her attempt to trademark the term “Archetypes” has hit a roadblock.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has officially rejected her application, which adds another layer of complexity to her ongoing media endeavors.

This setback comes at a time when Markle's former royal life seems to be under scrutiny from various corners, including a new podcast launch from none other than Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama's upcoming podcast is generating buzz, featuring high-profile guests like Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Hoda Kotb.

Notably absent from this lineup is Markle herself, which raises eyebrows amidst the ongoing narrative of their relationship.

Reports suggest that Obama was reportedly unsettled by Markle's demeanor during her transition into royal life, hinting at a complex dynamic between the two influential women.

Adding to the intrigue, the animated series South Park recently took a satirical jab at Markle and Obama.

While the Sussexes weren't named directly, their cartoon counterparts—dubbed the Prince and Princess of Canada—provided a humorous take on their personas.

The fictional princess was humorously described as being interested in yoga, calligraphy, and various other pursuits, including “lawyer pretending” and “first lady botherer,” showcasing the show's knack for clever satire.

The legal troubles for Markle began when her podcast production company, Archwell Audio, applied to trademark “Archetypes” back in March 2022.

This podcast aimed to delve into the stereotypes that women encounter, with its first episodes airing in August of that year.

However, the USPTO's refusal indicates that there's a potential conflict with an existing trademark held by Miracle IP Holdings, which was registered in May 2018.

Intellectual property lawyer Paul Cox weighed in on the situation, explaining the implications of the USPTO's decision.

He noted that Markle now faces a critical choice regarding the future of her podcast.

The deadline for responding to the trademark refusal is set for April 18, 2023.

If she fails to respond, the application will be considered abandoned.

To overturn this refusal, Markle's team would need to present compelling arguments to demonstrate that her trademark does not cause confusion with the existing one.

If she doesn't secure the trademark, it doesn't necessarily spell doom for her podcast.

It could still move forward, but the current holder of the trademark might choose to take legal action if they feel their rights are being infringed upon.

Cox elaborated on the financial considerations involved in such actions, noting that trademark owners typically weigh the costs and benefits before pursuing infringement cases.

If the previous trademark holder believes that Markle's use of “Archetypes” won't harm their business interests, they may opt not to challenge her.

As the clock ticks down to the response deadline, Markle's options remain open.

She could either file arguments to counter the USPTO's refusal or seek consent from the existing trademark holder to use the term.

The outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact her brand and podcasting ambitions.

With the media landscape continually evolving, Markle's journey reflects the challenges many face when navigating intellectual property rights.

Whether she can reclaim the narrative surrounding “Archetypes” will depend on her next steps in this unfolding saga.