Meghan Markle’s New Brand As Ever Faces Backlash for Name Similarity
Meghan Markle’s recent announcement of her new lifestyle brand, As Ever, has stirred controversy only days after its unveiling. The Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram to introduce her brand, stating that it embodies her passions for food, gardening, entertaining, thoughtful living, and finding joy in the everyday. However, the use of the name As Ever has sparked criticism, as it already belongs to an existing clothing brand operating in New York and New Jersey.
The original As Ever brand, established in 2017, issued a statement in response to Markle’s brand, expressing gratitude to their loyal customers and addressing the recent events surrounding the namesake brand. Co-founder Mark Kolski emphasized that they are not affiliated with Markle’s venture. Kolski further revealed that he was made aware of Markle’s new brand through a friend and is seeking legal advice on the matter.
Social media users have also weighed in on the controversy, with some accusing Markle of appropriating the name without conducting proper research. Critics have pointed out that As Ever is a well-known name among fashion enthusiasts in New York City, raising questions about trademark infringement. The situation has prompted discussions online about brand integrity and intellectual property rights.
As the debate unfolds, Markle’s representatives have yet to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, her new lifestyle brand announcement coincides with the upcoming release of her Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” scheduled to premiere on March 4. The show’s initial launch date was delayed due to the Los Angeles wildfires, further adding to the buzz surrounding Markle’s recent projects.
The controversy surrounding As Ever underscores the complexities of branding and the importance of originality in the business world. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how Markle will address the backlash and navigate the challenges of launching a new brand amidst legal concerns. As the story continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the impact of branding decisions in today’s competitive marketplace.