A vendor strums his guitar while selling items outside the 1st Summit Arena before Donald Trump's campaign rally on August 30, 2024, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. — AFP file
A guitar company claiming endorsement by Donald Trump has found itself in the midst of a trademark dispute, accused of mimicking a renowned instrument, according to US media reports on Tuesday. Trump Guitars, featuring a photo of the US president-elect with a six-string on its website, has been served with a 'cease and desist' letter from Gibson, a brand favored by musicians like Bob Dylan and Chuck Berry. The letter cautions Trump Guitars owner 16 Creative that their product design infringes on Gibson's exclusive trademarks, particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape, as reported by US outlets.
Trump Guitars, which claims to have 'the ONLY guitar endorsed' by the incoming president, has already sold out of its Trump-autographed American Eagle electric guitar, priced at $11,500. The company also offers a 'Presidential Series' in red, gold, or black, which closely resembles the Les Paul but features 'DONALD J. TRUMP' inlaid on the fretboard. However, the website clarifies that 'The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product.' It also disclaims any affiliation with Gibson Brands Inc.
The guitars, manufactured by various providers and incorporating both domestic and international parts/features, may be impacted by a proposed 25% tariff on products from Mexico or Canada, a policy the incoming president plans to implement. Trump, known for branding a wide array of products unrelated to his real estate business, has marketed everything from $100,000 watches to digital trading cards to his supporters.
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