Meghan and Harry's bid to trademark Sussex Royal brand blocked by doctor
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s bid to trademark the Sussex Royal brand has reportedly hit a stumbling block after a complaint from a doctor in Australia.
Benjamin Worcester, who lives in Victoria, is believed to have filed a notice of threatened opposition on January 21.
Mr Worcester could now issue a formal complaint detailing his objection to the use of the trademark, potentially leading to a lengthy and expensive legal battle for the royal couple, according to the World Trademark Review.
It is not known why Mr Worcester – who is believed to have worked as an NHS doctor between 2011 and 2014 – has filed the notice.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first sought to obtain registered trademark protection for their Sussex Royal brand in April 2019.
All applications lead to an ‘opposition period’ where anyone can file a complaint against the trademark.
The period of opposition was due to end on 20 February 2020, but has now been extended to 20 March 2020 following the complaint from the Melbourne-based doctor.
The trademark application follows Meghan and Harry’s move to Canada with their young son Archie.
The duke and duchess shocked the world when they announced their intention to ‘step back’ from the Royal Family on January 8.
After days of tense negotiations, it was revealed the Sussexes would stop using their HRH titles, repay the £2.4 million taxpayers’ spent to refurbish their Frogmore Cottage home and no longer formally represent Queen Elizabeth.
Her Majesty issued a statement saying she recognised the ‘challenges’ they had faced over the past year.
She said: ‘I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.
‘It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.’
Meghan is reported to be planning a sit-down interview with Ellen DeGeneres that could shine some light on the couple’s decision to remove their family from the UK.
Mr Worcester could now issue a formal complaint detailing his objection to the use of the trademark, potentially leading to a lengthy and expensive legal battle for the royal couple, according to the World Trademark Review.
It is not known why Mr Worcester – who is believed to have worked as an NHS doctor between 2011 and 2014 – has filed the notice.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first sought to obtain registered trademark protection for their Sussex Royal brand in April 2019.
All applications lead to an ‘opposition period’ where anyone can file a complaint against the trademark.
The period of opposition was due to end on 20 February 2020, but has now been extended to 20 March 2020 following the complaint from the Melbourne-based doctor.
The trademark application follows Meghan and Harry’s move to Canada with their young son Archie.
The duke and duchess shocked the world when they announced their intention to ‘step back’ from the Royal Family on January 8.
After days of tense negotiations, it was revealed the Sussexes would stop using their HRH titles, repay the £2.4 million taxpayers’ spent to refurbish their Frogmore Cottage home and no longer formally represent Queen Elizabeth.
Her Majesty issued a statement saying she recognised the ‘challenges’ they had faced over the past year.
She said: ‘I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.
‘It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.’
Meghan is reported to be planning a sit-down interview with Ellen DeGeneres that could shine some light on the couple’s decision to remove their family from the UK.
