Meghan Markle Faces Backlash Over Alleged Trademark and Logo Dispute in ‘As Ever’ Brand

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is at the center of controversy following the launch of her new lifestyle brand, “As Ever.” The name, allegedly already in use by another business, has sparked legal and ethical concerns regarding intellectual property. Additionally, the brand’s logo has drawn criticism from officials in the Spanish town of Porreres, who claim that Meghan copied a historical emblem belonging to their municipality. These disputes have raised questions about the originality of her new business venture and ignited discussions on trademark ownership in global commerce.

The New York-based vintage clothing company “As Ever,” founded by Mark Kolski in 2017, has been operating under this name for years. Although Kolski does not hold an official trademark registration, he expressed shock and concern over the possibility of his brand being overshadowed by Meghan’s global influence. This situation highlights the challenges small businesses face when high-profile figures enter markets without thorough trademark checks.

Further controversy arose when Porreres authorities claimed that Meghan’s logo bore a striking resemblance to their town’s official coat of arms. The municipality’s emblem features a palm tree flanked by two swallows, while “As Ever” has a similar design with two hummingbirds. Mayor Xisca Mora voiced her disappointment, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of the symbol to the local community.

Backlash Over ‘As Ever’ Brand Name

The choice of the name “As Ever” for Meghan Markle’s brand quickly drew criticism from industry insiders. Mark Kolski, who has used this name for his vintage fashion business since 2017, said he was surprised to see Meghan adopting the same branding. While Kolski has not registered the trademark, he pointed out that his company has already built brand recognition, and any confusion with a high-profile venture could negatively impact his business.

This case is not unique in the corporate world. Celebrities and global brands often enter industries where small businesses already exist, leading to potential trademark conflicts. Given Meghan Markle’s fame and international reach, smaller brands like Kolski’s may struggle to maintain visibility in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Intellectual property experts suggest that even though Kolski lacks an official trademark, he could challenge the use of the name based on brand recognition and prior use. Legal battles over trademarks typically assess factors such as public awareness, the length of brand establishment, and the potential market impact of a new company using an identical or similar name.

Dispute With Spanish Town of Porreres Over Logo Design

Beyond the name dispute, Meghan Markle’s logo for “As Ever” has triggered accusations of plagiarism from the Spanish town of Porreres. The town’s official emblem consists of a palm tree positioned between two swallows, a symbol that has deep cultural and historical roots. Meghan’s brand logo closely resembles this design, replacing the swallows with hummingbirds.

Mayor Xisca Mora expressed frustration over the similarity, stating that the town’s emblem is a vital part of Porreres’ identity. She urged Meghan to reconsider the logo, as it holds significant importance to the local community. While the town lacks the financial resources to pursue legal action, officials hope that Meghan and her team acknowledge their concerns and make appropriate changes.

Intellectual property specialists explain that while historical emblems and cultural symbols may not always have explicit legal protection, European Union regulations do offer mechanisms to contest trademark registrations that infringe upon public heritage. In cases where a trademark is deemed to violate cultural interests, objections can be filed to prevent its approval.

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Previous Accusations of Plagiarism

This is not the first time Meghan Markle has faced allegations of intellectual property infringement. Her 2021 children’s book, The Bench, was compared to existing works, with critics noting similarities in theme and structure. Likewise, her guest-editorship of British Vogue was scrutinized for content that bore a resemblance to prior editorial projects.

Public figures launching business ventures are frequently met with scrutiny, especially when elements of their projects appear to draw inspiration from pre-existing brands. To avoid such controversies, major companies typically conduct extensive market research and legal checks before finalizing trademarks and branding elements.

The Importance of Originality in Global Markets

Meghan Markle’s branding controversy underscores a growing issue in global commerce: the need for originality when developing new businesses. As international markets become increasingly interconnected, maintaining unique brand identities while respecting existing trademarks is essential.

Trademark disputes do not just involve legal technicalities but also ethical considerations. A high-profile brand using an existing name or a similar logo can diminish the recognition and financial stability of smaller businesses. In Meghan Markle’s case, the controversy may influence consumer perception of “As Ever,” particularly among audiences that value brand transparency and originality.

Potential Consequences and Ongoing Developments

Although no direct legal action has been taken against Meghan Markle thus far, the concerns raised by Mark Kolski and the officials of Porreres could lead to significant pressure on her team. If the backlash continues, changes to the branding and logo may become necessary to prevent further disputes.

This situation also serves as a lesson for other public figures and entrepreneurs entering competitive industries. Proper trademark verification, cultural sensitivity, and due diligence are critical to ensuring that new ventures do not infringe upon existing businesses or historical emblems.