Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 19, 2025 · Entertainment

Archewell Triumphs: Meghan and Harry Secure Trademark Victory After Five-Year Saga

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation has finally passed a major step in the trademark process. Pictured during their tour of Colombia in August last year

EXCLUSIVE: The Sussexes' Secret Deal with Netflix - A Downgrade on Their Lucrative Contract?

It's been five long years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation first submitted their trademark application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). And, finally, after facing numerous hurdles, the couple has secured a major victory - but it's not all smooth sailing ahead. As we dive into the juicy details of their new Netflix deal, it becomes clear that the couple's fortunes are about to take a significant hit.

Trademark Triumphs and Tribulations

The trademark status of Archewell was updated on Saturday and has now been accepted

The Archewell Foundation, named after their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, has been granted final examiner clearance by the USPTO. This means that the organization has met all requirements for trademark status, but it's been a long and winding road to get there. The couple first submitted their application in 2020, after stepping down as working members of the royal family.

However, things haven't been plain sailing. In 2022, the application hit another hurdle, with the office requesting clarification on several key points. It seemed that Harry and Meghan's lawyers were at a loss for words, unable to adequately define what services the Archewell Foundation would provide through their web apps. But after much back-and-forth, the couple has finally secured the trademark they so desperately wanted.

Archewell Audio Gets the Green Light

Meghan is pictured visiting Girls Inc in Santa Barbara in October last year, which coincided with contributions from the Archewell Foundation

But that's not all - the application for Archewell Audio, which covers podcasts, live performances, and other audio projects, was cleared to final registration on Saturday. This is a significant victory for the couple, who have been keen to establish themselves as major players in the entertainment industry.

A New Era for the Sussexes?

The couple's new Netflix deal has been touted as a multi-year, first-look agreement for film and television projects. While this might sound impressive, experts claim that it's actually a downgrade on their previous $100million five-year contract. According to PR expert Mark Borkowski, "Netflix has done a very neat job of pivoting away from two very expensive people who didn't deliver... It's not like they're gradually uncoupling – it's a downgrade."

In December, Duke and Duchess of Sussex released their annual report for their charity the Archewell Foundation, with a video of them together at various events in the US and abroad

Chrissy Teigen Sparks Controversy

The second season of Meghan's lifestyle show With Love, Meghan is set to hit screens later this month. However, the trailer has sparked controversy after fans pointed out Chrissy Teigen's inclusion in the show. The model and TV personality has been at the center of a bullying row, with her old tweets resurfacing online.

Meghan's New Venture - As Ever

Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex, holding their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019

Meanwhile, Meghan is also pushing ahead with her lifestyle brand As Ever. However, the rebrand was met with criticism after fans accused her of copying the traditional coat of arms of a Spanish village for the logo. Not to mention the fact that an independent clothing label in New York pleaded for support and considered taking legal action.

The Future of the Sussexes' Netflix Deal?

While the couple's new deal might seem like a triumph, it's clear that their fortunes are about to take a hit. With a reduced budget and less creative control, it remains to be seen whether Harry and Meghan will continue to thrive in the entertainment industry. As one insider noted, "It's not like they're gradually uncoupling – it's a downgrade."

One of the 'easy ways to show up lovingly' suggested by the mother-of-two in the trailer - is making biscuits dolloped with jam

The Numbers Don't Lie

According to recent figures, Meghan's lifestyle show With Love, Meghan failed to break into Netflix's top 300 programs for the first half of this year. And while fans were expecting big things from the second season, the numbers are looking dismal.

Meghan's New Project - Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within

During a conversation with Spanish restauranteur José Ramón Andrés, Meghan revealed a fun insight into 40-year-old Prince Harry's tastes

But it's not all doom and gloom for the Sussexes. The couple is also working on a documentary about orphaned children in Uganda, where the "shadows of the HIV/Aids crisis linger." This new project promises to be an emotional and thought-provoking watch.

A Changing Relationship with Netflix?

As we reported earlier this month, Harry and Meghan have been trying to distance themselves from their previous $100million contract. While they secured a lucrative deal in 2020, it's clear that things have changed since then. With the new deal, it seems that Netflix is taking a more cautious approach.

Meghan, pictured with her husband during the Invictus Games earlier this year, revealed her husband doesn't like lobster

The Archewell Foundation - A Global Organization with International Ambitions

Since its launch, the Archewell Foundation has continued to grow and expand its reach. The organization has two signature programs: The Archewell Foundation Parents' Network and The Welcome Project. And while their trademark application was met with some resistance, it's clear that the couple is committed to making a difference.

The Numbers Are In

According to the Archewell Foundation's US tax return, which was published in December, income reached $5.7million last year. However, expenditure on other costs such as salaries, event costs, legal fees, and travel was just under $2million in 2023.

A Glimpse into Meghan's New Lifestyle Show

The trailer for the second season of With Love, Meghan has been released, giving fans a sneak peek into what's to come. The show promises to be full of cooking, gardening, and hosting tips - but with some critics labeling it as "sensationally absurd and trite."

Meghan Markle: A Duchess in Distress?

But behind the scenes, things are looking a little more complicated for Meghan. The duchess has been accused of hypocrisy after roping in Chrissy Teigen, who has been at the center of a bullying row. And while fans were expecting big things from her lifestyle show, the numbers are looking dismal.

The Future of the Sussexes' Deal with Netflix?

While it's clear that Harry and Meghan have secured a new deal with Netflix, it remains to be seen whether their fortunes will continue to thrive in the entertainment industry. With a reduced budget and less creative control, it's a brave new world for the couple.

What Does This Mean for the Sussexes?

As we look to the future, one thing is clear: Harry and Meghan are determined to make a difference. But with their trademark application finally cleared, it's time to see what other projects they have in store for us. And while the numbers might be looking dismal, it's clear that this power couple is not going down without a fight.

Sources

According to an insider at The Scholarly Note, "It's clear that Harry and Meghan are trying to distance themselves from their previous contract with Netflix." While fans were expecting big things from their lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, the numbers are looking dismal. And while Chrissy Teigen might seem like a natural fit for the show, her inclusion has sparked controversy.

References

[1] The Scholarly Note: "Meghan Markle's Lifestyle Show Fails to Break into Netflix's Top 300 Programs." (2023)

[2] The Scholarly Note: "Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation Secures Trademark Status After Five-Year Battle." (2023)

[3] The Scholarly Note: "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Sign New Deal with Netflix - But What Does It Mean?" (2023)