Meghan Markle’s recently unveiled lifestyle brand, “As Ever,” is encountering legal scrutiny due to its logo’s striking similarity to the historic coat of arms of Porreres, a small town in Mallorca, Spain. The brand’s emblem features a palm tree flanked by two hummingbirds, closely mirroring Porreres’ centuries-old symbol.
Mayor Xisca Mora of Porreres expressed concern over the resemblance, emphasizing the emblem’s cultural significance to the town. She noted that while the town is considering legal action, financial constraints may hinder such efforts. Despite the potential legal hurdles, Mayor Mora extended an invitation to the Duchess of Sussex to visit Porreres, hoping to resolve the matter amicably.
Trademark Dispute with New York Designer
Simultaneously, Meghan Markle faces a trademark dispute with New York-based designer Mark Kolski, who has operated a clothing brand named “As Ever” since 2017. Kolski expressed concerns over potential brand confusion and is exploring legal options to protect his business. He highlighted the challenges of contesting a high-profile figure with substantial resources, noting the disparity between his small business and the backing behind Markle’s venture.
Rebranding Challenges
These controversies arise shortly after Markle rebranded her lifestyle company from “American Riviera Orchard” to “As Ever” due to previous trademark issues. The brand’s logo, intended to reflect her California residence and personal significance, has inadvertently mirrored existing emblems, leading to these legal challenges.
As the situation develops, it underscores the complexities of branding and trademarking in a global marketplace, especially when existing symbols and names are already in use.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.