has been dealt a fresh blow after its trademark application had been refused.The Duchess of Sussex’s application was rejected by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), who warned that businesses cannot trademark geographical locations, The Telegraph reports.American Riviera is a sweet nod to Santa Barbara, Calif., where Markle resides with her husband Prince Harry and their two children.The USPTO said on Saturday the addition of the word Orchard “does not diminish the primarily geographical descriptiveness of the applied for mark.”It added that since there is a location mentioned in the brand’s name, “a public association of the goods and services with the place is presumed.”Markle’s team considers the pushback “routine and expected” when filing for trademarks.
