Trump Guitars Faces Trademark Clash with Iconic Guitar Maker Gibson

A guitar brand endorsed by US president-elect Donald Trump has found itself at the center of a trademark dispute with legendary guitar maker Gibson. Trump Guitars, which markets itself as having “the ONLY guitar endorsed” by Trump, has received a cease-and-desist letter from Gibson, accusing the company of copying its iconic Les Paul design, according to US media reports.

The Dispute

Gibson, whose guitars have been iconic instruments for musicians like Bob Dylan and Chuck Berry, claims Trump Guitars infringes on its exclusive trademarks, particularly the distinctive Les Paul body shape. The letter was sent to 16 Creative, the owner of Trump Guitars.

Despite the allegations, the Trump Guitars website prominently displays a photo of Trump holding a guitar and offers various models, including the sold-out Trump-autographed American Eagle electric guitar, which was priced at $11,500.

The company also advertises a "Presidential Series" available in red, gold, or black, featuring the inscription "DONALD J. TRUMP" on the fretboard. However, the site includes a disclaimer that images may not accurately represent the final product and explicitly states that Trump Guitars is not affiliated with Gibson Brands Inc.

Manufacturing and Tariff Questions

Trump Guitars notes that its products are manufactured by multiple providers using both domestic and international parts. This raises questions about whether the guitars would be impacted by the proposed 25% tariff Trump plans to impose on imports from countries like Mexico and Canada.

Trump's Branding Legacy

The guitar line is part of a broader trend of Trump-endorsed merchandise. Over the years, the businessman-turned-politician has lent his name to an eclectic mix of products, including $100,000 watches, gold sneakers, signed Bibles, and even digital trading cards.

With the trademark dispute gaining media attention, the controversy surrounding Trump Guitars adds yet another layer of intrigue to the already high-profile world of Trump-branded goods. Whether the company will comply with Gibson's demands or face legal action remains to be seen.