Trump's Trademark Pursuit: Airports and Beyond

The Trump Organization has filed trademark applications for the president's name on airports, sparked by a proposed renaming of a Florida airport. The company asserts this is for brand protection, not profit, amidst debates over naming rights and historical precedents of post-presidential commemorations.

The Trump Organization, owned by the family of former President Donald Trump, has taken the unusual step of filing trademark applications for his name on airports. This move comes amidst ongoing debates in Florida regarding a proposal to rename the Palm Beach International Airport after Trump.

According to the organization, which filed the applications through its DTTM Operations unit, the aim is to protect the 'most infringed trademark in the world' against potential misuse by 'bad actors.' Notably, they emphasize that no fees or royalties will be collected from the renaming initiative, which was prompted by state legislation.

This filing is unprecedented in U.S. history, as presidential names are typically licensed posthumously or long after leaving office. The Trump company has been vigorously expanding its brand, with trademarks extending beyond real estate to products like branded guitars and sneakers, further fueling discussions on presidential branding ethics.

(With inputs from agencies.)