Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation has achieved a significant milestone in its trademark application, five years after initially submitting it to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The foundation, established after the couple stepped down as working royals in 2020, has now received final examiner clearance, indicating it meets all requirements for trademark status.
The application was updated on August 16 and assigned to an examiner for formal granting. Additionally, a separate application for Archewell Audio, covering podcasts and live performances, was cleared for final registration on Saturday. The Archewell Foundation, named after their son Archie, replaced the couple's earlier 'Sussex Royal' brand and serves as their charitable and entertainment vehicle.
The trademark process faced repeated obstacles. In 2020, the initial application was rejected due to missing signatures and fees. In 2022, the USPTO requested clarification, asking the couple to specify that services like live podcast performances and stage shows were 'entertainment-based'. Legal teams also had to define the nature of web apps the foundation would provide.
Despite these delays, Archewell has grown its programmes, including The Parents’ Network and The Welcome Project. In 2023, the foundation awarded $1.3 million in grants and reported income of $5.7 million, largely from a single $5 million donation. Expenditure on salaries, events, and legal fees totalled nearly $2 million.
Meanwhile, Meghan's lifestyle brand As ever faces ongoing trademark issues, with its application last updated in June. The brand, renamed from American Riviera Orchard, recently sparked a plagiarism dispute in Spain over its logo.
