U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump is famous for trademarking various phrases, and even his own name. The GOP frontrunner and real estate magnate has trademarked campaign slogans, his name, famous New York City landmarks, catchphrases from his television shows and made-up political terminology.
- Donald Trump trademarked Central Park, a famous New York City landmark, for commercial purposes. He now is the largest holder of trademarked Central Park products, such as coffee grinders, pencil boxes, flashlights, key chains and even trash cans. Trump does not have exclusive rights to Central Park, but has allegedly made money off of trademarking the famous location.
- Among the most ridiculous trademarks filed by Trump were rights to the words Trumpocrat and Trumpublican. However, the trademarks for both words have been abandoned. No big surprise there.
- Trump once filed a trademark application for the phrase “You’re Fired”. On the television show The Apprentice, Trump would use the phrase “You’re Fired” repeatedly on contestants. The application would have given Trump rights to use the phrase on t-shirts, coffee mugs, games and other commercial products. However, the application was denied.
- Several weeks ago, we discussed how Trump trademarked his campaign slogan “Make America Great Again”, which had initially belonged to former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The campaign slogan is on hats, clothing and other campaign merchandise.
- Trump has filed more than 200 trademark applications for his own name, including The Donald, Trump Class, Trump Touch, Trump Net, Trumped and Trump Fire – just to name a few. According to Donald Trump’s book, his name is “worth $3 billion”.
Why Are Trademarks Important? Money, That’s Why
Donald Trump may be going for the record of “most trademark applications ever filed by a person”, but there is a method to the madness. Trump’s brand has made money, and that is undeniable. Failing to trademark a brand can result in a significant loss of potential income. The reputation of a brand, as in its name and how it connects with the consumer market, can be the difference between failing or succeeding as a company. Trademark infringement is worth fighting, and brands must always be protected.