Meghan Markle Faces Fresh Trademark Challenge 

 Meghan Markle seems to have found herself in another trademark issue after her latest rebrand. The Duchess of Sussex announced the renaming of her lifestyle brand from American Riviera Orchard to ‘As Ever’, noting that the former name restricts some of her product ideas. 

However, a New York-based clothing company with the same name has now spoken up, insisting that they’re not going to change their name and are “exploring all possibilities.” 

It turns out that the vintage clothing company already goes by the name, with the company’s founder addressing Meghan’s brand makeover on Tuesday. 

“Wow and hello,” the company’s founder, Mark Kolski, wrote in an Instagram statement. “I want to say thank you to all the old friends who know and love our small family brand ‘As Ever’ and also say hi to all those who have just become aware we exist. 

“In the last 36 hours there has been an outpouring of support and concern regarding recent events around our namesake brand,” the statement continued. “We are aware. We are not affiliated.” 

Kolski pointed out that although he launched his business in 2017, the project had been down under since 2015, adding that they operate out of New York and New Jersey. 

“We are grateful for all the customers coast to coast and worldwide that have supported our venture. We will continue As Ever,” the statement concluded. 

The 58-year-old fashion entrepreneur later sat down for an interview with The Sun where he revealed that his brand will not be changing its name from “As Ever,” despite Meghan picking up the new moniker for her lifestyle venture. 

Although noting that he feels powerless to act against the Duchess of Sussex, Kolski said he’s “exploring all possibilities” to ensure that he comes out on top. 

“I’m a very small business, it’s a family-run operation. I’m essentially a one-man band,” the designer said. “This new venture has the power and money of Netflix behind it.” 

“Even if I wanted to do something I don’t think I have the behemoth of lawyers and money that are behind this,” he added.”