ROYAL TURMOIL: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Troubles Deepen as they suffer Third Blow in a Week
In a fresh blow to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, US officials have rejected their application for a trademark on their Archetypes podcast. This setback comes on the heels of Spotify severing ties with the couple, citing their lackluster production output. Despite reportedly earning £18 million from the deal, reports have emerged suggesting that Meghan may have fabricated interviews on the podcast, leaving the actual work to her staff.
Now, the US Patent and Trademark Office has denied the trademark application for Archetypes, citing confusion with an existing company in Arizona. The couple had sought exclusive rights to the name in relation to downloadable audio recordings and podcasts that explore the cultural treatment of women and stereotypes faced by women. However, a trademark for Archetypes LLC was already secured by an Arizona firm in 2015, granting use for a series of books and articles on nutrition, fitness, sexuality, and psychological self-improvement.
Adding to the complications, both Harry and Meghan failed to sign their application to the regulatory body, further hindering their trademark pursuit. Marjorie Witter Norman, representing the couple, has requested an additional three months to address these issues and potentially secure the trademark.
Earlier this week, whistleblowers accused Meghan Markle of taking a hands-off approach to the Spotify podcast, allegedly faking several interviews. It was suggested that she delegated the task of interviewing less prominent guests to her staffers, only adding her voice to the discussions afterward. Speculation about Meghan’s level of involvement had been circulating for some time, with critics labeling her “America’s laziest interviewer.” The suspicions intensified when a guest unintentionally hinted at Meghan’s lack of participation during an episode of the podcast.
Regarding the termination of the Spotify deal, the Sussexes’ audio production company, Archewell, claimed it was a mutual agreement and expressed pride in the series they created together. However, Bill Simmons, Head of Podcast Innovation and Monetization at Spotify, offered a different perspective during his own podcast, referring to the couple as “grifters” and suggesting they could have launched a more successful podcast.
The future of the Archetypes podcast remains uncertain, as Harry and Meghan navigate the obstacles surrounding their trademark application. The public continues to closely watch their endeavors, raising questions about their level of commitment and involvement in various projects.
