Yahoo Movies Sussex Royal trademark attempt by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry blocked after Australian doctor files complaint
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bid to trademark the Sussex Royal brand has been blocked after a legal complaint by an Australian doctor.
Prince Harry and Meghan's plans to transform their title into a multi-billion pound global brand were thrown into doubt by the complaint, filed on Tuesday.
The couple first applied to the Intellectual Property Office in June 2019 for the trademark, leading to a mandatory “opposition period” for members of the public to raise objections.
It was due to end on February 20, but now Benjamin Worcester, an independent doctor from Melbourne, has sent a “notice of threatened opposition”, IPO documents show, leading to the period being extended until March 20.
It is not known why the doctor filed the notice of opposition, but the move could see the Sussexes forced into a legal battle over the trademark.
If Dr Worcester makes a formal complaint the delay will be extended.
Harry and Meghan want the brand rights for hundreds of products including children’s books, calendars, greeting cards, clothing, footwear, scholarships and social care and education services.
They already have a £34 million personal fortune to kickstart their new life in Canada after they resigned as senior royals, but are eyeing giant business and TV deals to amass more wealth.
It comes after it emerged yesterday that the Sussexes' official wedding souvenirs were no longer available from the Royal Collection's official online shop.
A commemorative range, including a fine bone china coffee mug, a tankard and a plate, were no longer available on royalcollectionshop.co.uk.
