Meghan Markle’s Brand Renaming Sparks Accusations of Name Snatching
Meghan Markle’s recent announcement of her lifestyle brand’s renaming to "As Ever" has stirred controversy, with accusations emerging that she has attempted to appropriate the name of an established small business.
Conflicting Ownership Claims
On Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex unveiled the new name for her brand, previously known as American Riviera Orchard. However, the name change has been met with resistance from Mark Kolski, the founder of a small New York City-based clothing brand called As Ever NYC.
Shortly after Markle’s announcement, Kolski took to social media to express his concern and assure his followers that his company remained independent. He emphasized that "As Ever NYC" is not affiliated with Markle’s venture.
As Ever NYC’s Origin and Growth
Kolski detailed the origins of As Ever NYC, highlighting its establishment in 2015 as a side hobby involving the reworking of vintage military clothing. The brand’s signature tanker pant and cult classic pink jumpsuit quickly gained popularity.
In 2017, As Ever NYC transitioned to an official business, with Kolski overseeing the manufacturing process. He acknowledged the contributions of various individuals and the family-run factory that have been instrumental in the brand’s success.
Legal Considerations and Ongoing Conflict
Kolski has expressed his determination to protect his company’s name, stating that he is "exploring all possibilities" and standing firm against any potential name change. He acknowledges the disparity in resources between his small business and Markle’s venture, which is supported by Netflix.
Sources indicate that Markle’s brand will focus on lifestyle products, excluding clothing. Despite this distinction, the conflicting claims over the name "As Ever" remain a potential legal issue.
Meghan Markle’s Rationale for the Renaming
Markle has shared her reasons for choosing the name "As Ever" in a video posted to her Instagram account. She explained that the name reflects her passion for cooking, crafting, and gardening, which have been central themes in her previous ventures, such as "The Tig."
She also revealed the creation of a new website and logo for her lifestyle brand, targeting a range of products including fruit preserves.
Public Reactions and Support for As Ever NYC
Social media has erupted with reactions to the controversy, with many expressing support for As Ever NYC. Some have accused Markle of attempting to steal the brand’s name, while others have questioned the involvement of Netflix in the potential conflict.
Numerous users have praised Kolski’s dedication to his business and voiced their opposition to any forced name change. The hashtag #AsEverNYC has gained traction, reflecting the widespread support for the small clothing brand.
Conclusion
The renaming of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand has sparked a legal and ethical debate, raising concerns over intellectual property rights and the protection of small businesses. Mark Kolski’s resistance to the proposed name change demonstrates the importance of defending the integrity of his established brand, while the public’s response highlights the power of community support in such conflicts. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will be resolved.
