Meghan Markle’s Repeated ‘Schoolboy Error’: Plagiarism Claims Threaten As Ever Brand

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is facing fresh criticism over her lifestyle brand, As Ever, with royal experts accusing her of making the same “schoolboy error” by failing to conduct proper due diligence, leading to allegations of plagiarism and legal disputes. According to a report by The Sun, Meghan’s rebranded venture, launched in March 2025, has been plagued by accusations that its logo and products copy existing designs, echoing past controversies that have dogged her business endeavors. This article explores the latest plagiarism claims, Meghan’s response, and the potential consequences for her brand’s credibility in a competitive market.

Author Mel Elliot believes the proposed kids’ programme was similar to her workCredit: YouTube/Latest TV

The writer had already published three Pearl Power books by the time the project was announcedCredit: Amazon

The As Ever Launch: A Promising Start Marred by Controversy

Meghan’s As Ever brand, a rebrand of the short-lived American Riviera Orchard, debuted with much fanfare, accompanied by her Netflix series With Love, Meghan and a new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. The brand offers gourmet products like raspberry jam, flower sprinkles, and wildflower honey, aiming to position Meghan as a lifestyle influencer akin to Martha Stewart. However, the launch has been overshadowed by accusations of plagiarism, particularly regarding the brand’s logo and product designs.

The Sun reported that the mayor of Porreres, a small town in Mallorca, Spain, accused Meghan of copying their 14th-century coat of arms for As Ever’s logo, which features a palm tree and two hummingbirds. The resemblance, described as “eerily similar,” has prompted the town to consider legal action. Additionally, a New York-based clothing company, also named As Ever, has raised concerns about trademark conflicts, with owner Mark Kolski claiming he has operated under the name since 2017. These allegations have led royal author Phil Dampier to criticize Meghan’s team for failing to conduct basic research, calling it a “schoolboy error” that could have been avoided with proper due diligence.

Meghan has been accused of copying others’ work before Credit: Rex

Phil Dampier speaks to The Sun’s royal editor Matt Wilkinson Credit: The Sun

A Pattern of Oversight: The “Schoolboy Error”

Dampier, speaking to The Sun, emphasized that Meghan’s latest misstep is part of a recurring pattern. “It’s yet another example of how the people around her don’t seem to have done their research before she comes out with projects,” he said. “There’s nothing worse than being accused of plagiarism or of copying other people’s work.” He argued that these oversights are not only embarrassing but also damaging to Meghan’s reputation, as they suggest a lack of professionalism in her business ventures.

This is not the first time Meghan has faced such criticism. Her earlier venture, American Riviera Orchard, was abandoned after trademark officials rejected the name for being too geographically specific. The rebrand to As Ever was meant to resolve these issues, but errors in the trademark application, including an unsigned statement of intent, have delayed the process further. Posts on X have highlighted public frustration, with one user noting, “Meghan’s As Ever products launched with so much hype, but the logo drama and legal battles are a mess she could’ve avoided.”

The plagiarism allegations extend beyond the logo. Critics have pointed out similarities between As Ever’s product packaging and existing brands, with some X users accusing Meghan of mimicking the aesthetic of high-end artisanal food companies. One post claimed, “Her jams and sprinkles look like they were ripped straight from a competitor’s catalog,” reflecting a sentiment that Meghan’s brand lacks originality.

Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020Credit: Splash

Meghan’s Response: Defiance Amid the Storm

In her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan addressed the controversy indirectly, describing the trademark issues as a “word salad” and emphasizing that she had secured the As Ever name in 2022 as a precautionary measure. She hinted at personal significance behind the name but declined to elaborate, saying it was “protected for a reason that had sort of been under wraps.” Her comments suggest an attempt to reframe the narrative as a learning experience, but critics like Dampier argue that her explanations fail to address the core issue of inadequate preparation.

Meghan’s supporters, however, see the accusations as overblown and part of a broader campaign to undermine her. A source close to Archewell told The Sun that the plagiarism claims are “fabricated” and that Meghan’s team is working to resolve the trademark disputes. On X, fans have rallied behind her, with one user writing, “The media’s obsession with tearing down Meghan’s every move is exhausting. She’s building a brand under insane scrutiny—cut her some slack.”

The Legal and Financial Stakes

The plagiarism and trademark disputes pose significant risks for As Ever. The Porreres logo controversy could lead to costly legal battles, with experts warning of potential “copyright issues” if the town pursues action. Similarly, Mark Kolski’s claim to the As Ever name, while not trademarked, could result in a common law dispute, as he has used the name for seven years. Kolski told The Sun he feels outmatched by Meghan’s “behemoth of lawyers” but is exploring his options, highlighting the David-and-Goliath dynamic at play.

Financially, the controversies threaten to erode consumer trust. As Ever’s products, including $28 wildflower honey, sold out quickly, but posts on X have reported customer dissatisfaction, with some claiming orders were lost or not delivered. One user wrote, “Meghan is DENYING refunds for her As Ever products! Products not received, orders lost, and still no resolution.” A third rebrand, as some have speculated, could be catastrophic, with royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams telling Express.co.uk that it would be “a disaster” for Meghan’s credibility.

The Royal Connection: A Blessing and a Curse

Meghan’s royal status remains a double-edged sword. Critics argue that she leverages her title as the Duchess of Sussex to boost her brand, with The Sun’s royal photographer Arthur Edwards claiming, “Without marrying Harry, she’d probably still be in Suits.” Her insistence on using “Sussex” in With Love, Meghan—correcting guest Mindy Kaling for calling her “Meghan Markle”—has fueled accusations of exploiting her royal ties. Yet, this connection also invites heightened scrutiny, with every misstep magnified by a media eager to portray her as an opportunist.

Royal experts like Hilary Fordwich have questioned the relatability of Meghan’s brand, pointing to the high price points of her products. “Who’s the market for $28 honey?” Fordwich asked Fox News, arguing that Meghan’s reliance on her royal persona alienates everyday consumers. On X, similar sentiments have emerged, with one user calling As Ever “disorganised, impersonal and unrelatable.”

Public and Media Reaction: A Polarized Landscape

The public response to Meghan’s latest controversy is deeply divided. On X, detractors have seized on the plagiarism claims, with one user tweeting, “Meghan’s As Ever is a massive rip-off—same old schoolboy errors, no originality.” Others have defended her, arguing that the criticism is rooted in bias. “The logo drama is being blown out of proportion. Meghan’s trying to build something meaningful,” one supporter wrote.

The media has been equally split. Outlets like The Sun and Express.co.uk have highlighted Meghan’s “embarrassing mistakes,” while more sympathetic coverage in The New York Times has framed her as navigating a complex rebrand under pressure. The Guardian, however, was scathing, calling With Love, Meghan “pointless” and suggesting that the Sussexes’ Netflix deal could be at risk if they fail to deliver compelling content.

What’s Next for As Ever?

Despite the setbacks, Meghan’s brand shows resilience. With Love, Meghan has been renewed for a second season, and her podcast continues to gain listeners. However, resolving the legal disputes and rebuilding consumer trust will be critical. Hiring a more robust legal team and conducting thorough trademark and design searches could prevent future errors. As one X user noted, “Meghan needs to get her house in order—fast—or As Ever will be another failed venture.”

A Test of Resilience

Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand was meant to mark a triumphant return to the public stage, but the plagiarism claims and trademark disputes have exposed vulnerabilities in her business strategy. The “schoolboy error” of failing to conduct due diligence has not only sparked legal challenges but also reignited debates about her authenticity and competence as an entrepreneur. As Meghan navigates this turbulent chapter, her ability to learn from these mistakes and deliver a cohesive, original brand will determine whether As Ever can rise above the controversy or become another cautionary tale in her post-royal journey.

Sources: The Sun, Express.co.uk, The New York Times, The Guardian, Fox News, X posts