Trump Family Business Files Trademark for Airports Using President's Name Amid Florida Debate

The Trump Organization has applied for trademarks to use the former president's name on airports. They claim no intention of charging fees, at least for a proposed renaming of an airport near his Florida residence. The applications aim to secure exclusive rights for the name on various airport-related items, including buses and travel bags.

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Debate in Florida surrounds a state bill proposing to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Trump. Additionally, there's a dispute over funding a tunnel between New York and New Jersey, linked to proposals for naming both it and Dulles International Airport in Virginia after him. The Trump Organization stated that the trademark applications were prompted by the Florida bill, emphasizing they seek protection against misuse of the name.

Trademark Applications and Historical Context

The Trump Organization clarified that neither the president nor his family would receive any financial benefits from the proposed airport renaming. This statement refers specifically to Palm Beach International Airport, located near Trump's Mar-a-Lago club. The company did not comment on whether they might charge royalties for using the name at other airports or on merchandise listed in their filings.

Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben discovered these applications over the weekend. He noted that this is unprecedented, as no sitting president's private company has previously sought trademark rights before such naming. Historically, presidents have waited years after leaving office to have an airport named after them. For instance, Bill Clinton waited 11 years, Ronald Reagan nine, and Gerald Ford 22 years.

Branding Efforts and Global Ventures

If successful, Trump's airport would join other entities recently renamed in his honour. These include the Kennedy Center performing arts venue and a road outside Mar-a-Lago called President Donald J. Trump Boulevard. A new class of battleships is also planned to bear his name. The trademark applications were filed by DTTM Operations, a unit of the family company, with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

The applications cover three names: President Donald J. Trump International Airport, Donald J. Trump International Airport, and DJT. The company's claim of being the most infringed trademark globally couldn't be immediately verified. Other brands like Gucci and Prada have faced similar issues with counterfeit items over the years.

Response to Criticism and Business Expansion

In response to criticism about profiting from the presidency, Trump has stated that his business is managed by his sons and he isn't involved daily. Over the past year, the family has expanded its branding efforts globally. The Trump name now appears on towers, golf resorts, and residential developments in countries like Dubai, India, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.

The company has also ventured into selling Trump-branded electric guitars, bibles, and sneakers under its DTTM unit. Despite these expansions, questions remain about potential financial gains from using Trump's name on airports or related merchandise in the future.

With inputs from PTI