In the dynamic world of business, trademark strategy for startups and the power of a strong brand cannot be overstated. The recent launch of new shoes by Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, offers a timely opportunity to delve into trademark strategy for startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in building and protecting a brand’s value using trademark law. Trump’s approach to trademarking is a case study in leveraging brand equity across a diverse array of goods and services, providing valuable insights for startups, technology companies, and entrepreneurs.
Donald Trump’s Trademark Portfolio: A Strategic Overview
Donald Trump’s engagement with the trademark system is unparalleled among U.S. Presidents. His proactive approach to trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has allowed him to capitalize on his brand, extending it to various sectors including hospitality, beverages, and sports. Here are some notable trademarks from Trump’s portfolio:
| SerialNumber | Wordmark | Image | Status | GoodsAndServicesTruncated | Basis | FiledDate | InternationalClass |
| 75338006 | TRUMP | Image for 75338006 | Live | IC 043: hotel services. | 1a | 1997-08-08T00:00:00 | IC 043 |
| 75871039 | TRUMP | Image for 75871039 | Live | IC 032: SPRING WATER. | 1a | 1999-12-14T00:00:00 | IC 032 |
| 75939343 | TRUMP | Image for 75939343 | Live | IC 041: Golf club services. | 1a | 2000-03-09T00:00:00 | IC 041 |
| 78969949 | TRUMP | Image for 78969949 | Live | IC 018: [ luggage; business cases; briefcase-type portfolios; ] duffel bags; tote bags; wallets [ ; business card cases; cases for carrying ties ].; IC 025: [ [ Leather belts ] ].; IC 021: [ [ shoe shine kits consisting of polishing cloths, shoe horns, shoe brushes, shoe polish; grooming and personal care kits consisting of lint brushes, combs, cuticle pushers, nail clippers, razors, tweezers, scissors ] ]. | 1a | 2006-09-08T00:00:00 | IC 018 (CANCELLED) IC 025 (CANCELLED) IC 021 |
| 77029020 | TRUMP | Image for 77029020 | Live | IC 025: Apparel, namely, shirts, jackets, [ sweat shirts, ] sweat pants, sweaters, headwear, [ socks, boxer shorts, ] robes, belts, suits, pants, [ shorts, vests, ties, suspenders, ] scarves, coats, and gloves. | 1a | 2006-10-25T00:00:00 | IC 025 |
| 77254435 | TRUMP | Image for 77254435 | Live | IC 036: Real estate services, namely, listing, leasing, financing, and managing commercial, residential, and hotel properties.; IC 037: (( Real estate development and construction of commercial, residential, and hotel properties )). | 1a | 2007-08-14T00:00:00 | IC 036 IC 037 |
| 77295919 | TRUMP | Image for 77295919 | Live | IC 043: Restaurant services. | 1a | 2007-10-04T00:00:00 | IC 043 |
| 77318737 | TRUMP | Image for 77318737 | Live | IC 020: Chairs, couches, loveseats, and ottomans. | 1a | 2007-11-01T00:00:00 | IC 020 |
| 77417889 | TRUMP | Image for 77417889 | Live | IC 016: [ [ Art pictures, art prints, book holders, bookends, ink pens ] ].; IC 020: [ Plastic boxes; wood boxes; ] breakfronts; buffets; benches; bedroom furniture; [ wood carvings; ] furniture chairs; furniture chests; credenza; couches; furniture cabinets; footstools; [ picture frames; ] furniture frames; living room furniture; office furniture; [ hampers; ] home furniture; furniture mirrors; mattresses; pillows; [ plate racks; ] furniture screens; shelving; [ soft sculpture wall decorations; wood sculptures; ] stools; tables; tea carts; wood and upholstered furniture [ ; coat racks ].; IC 021: Wastepaper baskets, [ non-electric candelabras not of precious metal, ] candle holders not of precious metal, [ candle rings not of precious metal, candle snuffers not of precious metal, candlesticks not of precious metal, canister sets, ] trash cans [, plastic coasters, coasters not of paper and not being table linen, coffee cups, non-electric kettles, tea kettles, tea balls not of precious… | 1a | 2008-03-10T00:00:00 | (CANCELLED) IC 016 IC 020 IC 021 |
| 85135258 | TRUMP | Image for 85135258 | Live | IC 021: Toothbrush holders; soap dishes; drinking glasses, namely, tumblers; lotion dispensers; soap dispensers; cotton ball jars; trays not of precious metal; ceramic tissue box covers.; IC 024: bed blankets; duvets; duvet covers; bed skirts; quilts; pillow shams; comforters; shower curtains; towels; wash cloths. | 1a | 2010-09-22T00:00:00 | IC 021 IC 024 |
| 85179714 | TRUMP | Image for 85179714 | Live | IC 016: Desk accessories, namely, desk pads, paper weights, business card holders.; IC 019: [ [ Wood flooring and floor tiles, wood moldings, wood paneling, wood siding, wall panels and doors not of metal ] ].; IC 021: glasses, cups, bowls, decanters; beverage glassware. | 1a | 2010-11-18T00:00:00 | IC 016 (CANCELLED) IC 019 IC 021 |
| 85179727 | TRUMP | Image for 85179727 | Live | IC 016: [ [ Desk accessories, namely, desk pads, paper weights, business card holders ] ].; IC 019: [ [ Wood flooring and floor tiles, wood moldings, wood paneling, wood siding, wall panels and doors not of metal ] ].; IC 021: glasses, cups, bowls, decanters; beverage glassware. | 1a | 2010-11-18T00:00:00 | (CANCELLED) IC 016 (CANCELLED) IC 019 IC 021 |
| 85544942 | TRUMP | Image for 85544942 | Live | IC 016: greeting cards, posters and stationery paper. | 1a | 2012-02-16T00:00:00 | IC 016 |
| 86143441 | TRUMP | Image for 86143441 | Live | IC 039: Limousine services. | 1a | 2013-12-13T00:00:00 | IC 039 |
| 86221198 | TRUMP | Image for 86221198 | Live | IC 003: Cologne; fragrances; after-shave lotions; skin moisturizer; shampoo; hair conditioner; deodorant for personal use; soaps for hand, face, and body; body powder; bath oil; bath gel; bath salts; bubble bath. | 1a | 2014-03-14T00:00:00 | IC 003 |
| 86625613 | TRUMP | Image for 86625613 | Live | IC 035: Commercial information and advice for consumers; online and retail store services featuring golf accessories.; IC 041: Golf course and club house services; golf courses; entertainment in the nature of golf tournaments; golf instruction; conducting of professional golf competitions; social club services, namely, arranging, organizing, and hosting social events, get-togethers, and parties for club members. | 1a | 2015-05-11T00:00:00 | IC 035 IC 041 |
| 86644455 | TRUMP | Image for 86644455 | Live | IC 035: Political action committee services, namely, promoting public awareness of political issues.; IC 036: Fundraising in the field of politics. | 1a | 2015-05-28T00:00:00 | IC 035 IC 036 |
| 86724574 | TRUMP | Image for 86724574 | Live | IC 016: Bumper stickers; decorative decals for vehicle windows; stickers; advertising signs of papers; advertising signs of cardboard; placards and banners of paper or cardboard; posters; pens.; IC 025: Clothing, namely, hats, sweatshirts, T-shirts, tank tops, headwear, long sleeve shirts; baby clothing, namely, one piece garments; children’s clothing, namely, t-shirts.; IC 026: Campaign buttons.; IC 035: Providing online information regarding political issues and the 2016 presidential election; retail store and online retail store services featuring political campaign goods.; IC 036: Political campaign services, namely, fundraising in the field of politics.; IC 041: Providing a website featuring non-downloadable videos and photographs in the field of politics and political campaigning.; IC 045: Online social networking services in the field of politics and political campaigning provided via a website. | 1a | 2015-08-13T00:00:00 | IC 016 IC 025 IC 026 IC 035 IC 036 IC 041 IC 045 |
| 86817223 | TRUMP | Image for 86817223 | Live | IC 009: Audio books in the field of business and getting ahead in business, including advice on how to make your business more successful and profitable, personal wealth, economy, real estate, politics and life; Downloadable electronic books in the field of business and getting ahead in business, including advice on how to make your business more successful and profitable, personal wealth, economy, real estate, politics, sports and life.; IC 016: Books in the field of business and getting ahead in business, including advice on how to make your business more successful and profitable, personal wealth, economy, real estate, politics, sports and life; Educational publications, namely, books in the fields of business and getting ahead in business, including advice on how to make your business more successful and profitable, personal wealth, economy, real estate, politics, sports and life. | 1a | 2015-11-11T00:00:00 | IC 009 IC 016 |
| 87821073 | TRUMP | Image for 87821073 | Live | IC 020: Furniture; shelving; storage racks. | 1a | 2018-03-05T00:00:00 | IC 020 |
These trademarks are just a few examples of how Trump has strategically used the USPTO to secure and enhance his brand’s value.
Key Takeaways for Technology Startups
The Value of Branding: Trump’s success underscores the importance of a recognizable and respected brand. Therefore, any trademark strategy for startups requires not only investing in branding and a logo design or marketing, but also about building a reputation that can be legally protected and monetized.
Licensing as a Revenue Stream
By licensing his brand, Trump has demonstrated how a well-established trademark can be a source of passive income. Startups should consider how licensing agreements might fit into their business models as a way to expand their reach and generate additional revenue.
The Importance of Trademark Registration
Securing trademark rights through the USPTO is crucial for protecting your brand. Registration provides legal recourse against infringement and counterfeiting, ensuring that your brand remains uniquely yours.
Diversification Through Trademarking
Trump’s varied trademark portfolio illustrates the benefits of brand diversification. For startups, this means exploring how your brand can be applied across different products, services, and industries to maximize market presence and revenue opportunities.
Navigating the Trademark Process with Expert Guidance
The journey to securing an advantageous trademark strategy for startups is complex, requiring a nuanced understanding of intellectual property law and strategic planning. At L.A. Tech and Media Law Firm, we focus exclusively in helping startups, technology companies, and entrepreneurs navigate this process. Led by David Nima, Esq., one of the top trademark and technology attorneys in the United States, our team provides the expertise and support needed to secure your brand’s value and ensure its protection in the competitive marketplace.
Donald Trump’s trademark strategy offers valuable lessons for startups looking to maximize their brand value. From the importance of trademark registration to the potential of licensing and brand diversification, there are numerous strategies to explore. As you embark on this journey, remember that the right legal guidance can make all the difference. Visit us at www.techandmedialaw.com to learn how we can help protect your brand and turn your trademark into a powerful asset for your business.
