Key Facts
- Age
- 15
- Initial brand
- HIKU by Harper (skincare)
- New brand
- Harlo by Harper (makeup)
- US trademark refusal date
- July (provisional refusal)
- Reason for refusal
- Likelihood of confusion with existing trademarks
- Response window
- Six months
Background
Harper Beckham, the 15-year-old daughter of former footballer David Beckham and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, lives with her family in Oxfordshire. She had been developing a skincare line inspired by Korean beauty, initially branded HIKU by Harper, targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.
According to cosmetics industry reports and US filings, the US Patent and Trademark Office refused her first application in July 'because of a likelihood of confusion' with existing trademarks already registered in the country. Documents cited by cosmeticsbusiness.com show that 'Hiku' is already protected for personal care products and fragrances, while 'Harper' appears on the register for cleaning products such as brooms and scrubbing brushes, blocking the path for 'HIKU by Harper' in those categories.
Current Situation
Coverage of the setback notes that Harper had six months to respond to the provisional refusal if she wants to challenge the decision or narrow the scope of the American filing. Now, she is pursuing a new brand, this time focused around make-up and called Harlo by Harper.
According to The Sun, the teenager has lodged papers with the US Patent and Trademark Office asking to be granted sole rights to use the name and with the UK's Intellectual Property Office to trademark the brand. The aim is to launch the brand at some point next year, as the only daughter of the Beckhams seeks to build a beauty empire.
| Brand | Category | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIKU by Harper | Skincare | Refused (US) | Likelihood of confusion with existing 'Hiku' trademarks |
| Hiku | Personal care products and fragrances | Registered | Existing trademark blocking 'HIKU by Harper' |
| Harper | Cleaning products (brooms, scrubbing brushes) | Registered | Existing trademark blocking 'HIKU by Harper' |
| Harlo by Harper | Makeup | Application lodged | US and UK trademark applications filed |
Impacts
The trademark refusal directly affects Harper's ability to use 'HIKU by Harper' for skincare and related products in the US, potentially delaying or altering her initial product launch plans. The new 'Harlo by Harper' application, if successful, would grant her exclusive rights to the name in the US and UK, allowing her to proceed with the makeup brand.
The outcome could influence her market entry strategy and brand positioning. A source for The Sun added that Victoria has been 'guiding her every step of the way', indicating family support in navigating the business and legal challenges.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the US Patent and Trademark Office approves the 'Harlo by Harper' trademark, Harper could launch the makeup brand next year as planned. However, if the application faces similar objections, she may need to adjust the name or scope, potentially delaying the launch.
Alternatively, if she successfully challenges the initial refusal for 'HIKU by Harper' within the six-month window, she might revive the skincare line alongside the new makeup venture. The exact timeline and product details remain unclear, but her determination suggests continued efforts to establish a beauty brand.
Source: thisisoxfordshire.co.uk
