Trump Organization Seeks Trademark Protection for Airport Name Use
The Trump family company has filed applications with the federal trademark office to secure exclusive rights to use President Donald Trump's name on airports and a wide range of related items. This includes everything from passenger shuttles and travel bags to umbrellas and flight suits. The filings were made by the Trump Organization, which asserts that the move is purely defensive, aimed at protecting against "bad actors" rather than generating profit.
Florida Bill Triggers Trademark Applications
The applications were prompted by a state bill in Florida that proposes renaming Palm Beach International Airport after Trump. In a statement, the company clarified that neither the president nor his family will receive any financial compensation, such as royalties or licensing fees, from this specific renaming. However, the organization did not respond to inquiries about whether it might charge fees for the use of the name at other airports or on merchandise in the future.
Unprecedented Move in U.S. History
Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben, who discovered the filings, described them as completely unprecedented. He noted that while public officials have often had landmarks named in their honor, this marks the first time a sitting president's private company has sought trademark rights in advance of such a naming. Historically, presidents typically wait years after leaving office or even until after their death for such honors. For example, Bill Clinton waited 11 years, Ronald Reagan nine, and Gerald Ford 22 years, with John F. Kennedy being an exception due to his assassination.
Expanding Branding Efforts Amid Controversy
The Trump Organization has been aggressively expanding its branding efforts globally, putting the Trump name on properties in Dubai, India, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, as well as selling branded items like electric guitars, bibles, and sneakers. The company claims its trademark is the "most infringed in the world," though this assertion could not be quickly verified, as brands like Gucci and Rolex have long battled counterfeits. In response to criticism about profiting from the presidency, Trump has stated that his business is held in trust by his sons, with no day-to-day involvement on his part.
Broader Context of Airport Renaming Debates
The trademark filings occur amid ongoing debates over airport renaming in multiple states. In addition to the Florida bill, there are proposals to name airports in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia after Trump. If successful, this would add to a growing list of entities recently renamed for the president, including the Kennedy Center, a road near Mar-a-Lago, and a planned class of battleships. The applications, filed under the DTTM Operations unit, cover three variations of the name: President Donald J. Trump International Airport, Donald J. Trump International Airport, and DJT.
