The Trump family’s business, the Trump Organization, has recently filed trademark applications for Donald Trump’s name to be used in airports and various related items. These applications were filed with the federal trademark office and seek exclusive rights to use the name on things like passenger shuttle buses, flight suits, umbrellas, and travel bags.
This development comes amidst a debate in Florida over naming the Palm Beach airport after Mr.Trump. The company claims that the applications were triggered by a Florida bill and that they are seeking protection against “bad actors” who have been infringing on the Trump name, which they claim is the “most infringed trademark in the world. ” However, they state that they will not charge any fees for the proposed renaming of Palm Beach International Airport, which is near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club.
When asked if the company would charge royalties for the use of the Trump name at other airports in the future, or for merchandise listed in the filings, the Trump Organization did not respond immediately. According to trademark lawyer Josh Gerben, who uncovered these filings, this is the first time in U. S. history that a sitting president’s private company has sought trademark rights in advance of naming a landmark after themselves. Gerben stated on his blog that “these are trademark filings that are completely unprecedented.
The applications were filed by a Trump Organization unit called DTTM Operations and seek to trademark three names: President Donald J. Trump International Airport, Donald J. Trump International Airport, and DJT. This move is just one of many branding efforts by the Trump family in the past year, which includes putting their name on towers, golf resorts, and residential developments in various countries. They have also been selling Trump-branded electric guitars, bibles, and sneakers, which also fall under the DTTM unit.
Critics have accused the Trump family of profiting off of the presidency, but Trump has stated that his business is held in trust by his sons and that he has no involvement in the day-to-day operations of the company. It remains to be seen if the Trump Organization will charge fees for the use of the Trump name at other airports or for merchandise in the future.