The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have faced a setback as their attempt to trademark the name of their Spotify podcast, ‘Archetypes,’ has been rejected by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Last year, Archewell Audio, the couple’s audio production company, filed a trademark application seeking exclusive rights to ‘Archetypes’ for downloadable audio recordings, podcasts, and content related to the cultural treatment of women and stereotypes facing women. However, the application was turned down due to the likelihood of confusion with an existing brand. Archetypes LLC, an Arizona-based firm, holds a trademark acquired in 2015 for a series of books and articles focusing on nutrition, sexuality, fitness, and psychological self-improvement.
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The Sussexes’ podcast, which debuted on Spotify in August 2020, is currently available for streaming on the platform. However, their estimated $20 million deal with Spotify concluded after the completion of just one 12-episode series.
Spotify and Archewell Audio released a joint statement announcing the termination of their agreement to produce future series. The statement expressed mutual pride in the series they had created together but confirmed the decision to part ways.
The denial of the trademark application and the conclusion of the Spotify deal represent recent challenges for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Their endeavors have garnered significant attention, with some drawing comparisons to the experiences of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. However, the couple remains determined to pursue their various projects and initiatives, despite the obstacles they have faced.
