Trump Guitars Faces Cease and Desist Order from Gibson Over Trademark Infringement

A company selling guitars endorsed by President Donald Trump has been issued a cease-and-desist order by Gibson, a leading guitar manufacturer. The 130-year-old brand raised concerns that the design of Trump Guitars' electric models, particularly their resemblance to Gibson’s iconic Les Paul body shape, infringes upon its exclusive trademarks.

According to a statement from Gibson, the cease-and-desist order was issued to Trump Guitars' owner, 16 Creative, due to the "unauthorized use of Gibson's trademarks and trade dress." The order demands that Trump Guitars immediately stop producing and selling guitars that infringe on Gibson's trademarks.

Trump Guitars, which markets its electric guitar as “the only guitar officially endorsed by President Donald J. Trump,” is not directly owned by the president-elect. However, the guitars feature prominent Trump branding, including "Make America Great Again" inlays and the number 45, symbolizing his position as the 45th president. The company’s website also showcases the American Eagle Series guitar, which features bold patriotic imagery, although the model is currently out of stock due to "overwhelming demand."

Gibson's concerns about Trump Guitars' design are not unfounded. The Les Paul guitar is one of the most iconic and recognizable guitar designs in the world, and Gibson has a long history of protecting its trademarks. In a statement, a Gibson spokesperson said, "We take our intellectual property very seriously, and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who attempts to infringe on our trademarks."

Trump Guitars sells models signed by the president-elect, with some fetching prices over $10,000, while non-signed versions retail for $1,250. Trump recently promoted the guitars on his Truth Social account, advertising limited edition models and suggesting they would arrive in time for Christmas.

The controversy adds to Trump’s extensive merchandise line, which has included everything from "Trump University" to digital trading cards, showcasing his ongoing focus on branded products. However, this latest venture has raised questions about the potential consequences of Trump's endorsement of a product that may infringe on another company's trademarks.

In the guitar industry, trademarks and trade dress are crucial in protecting a company's brand and intellectual property. If Trump Guitars is forced to stop producing guitars that infringe on Gibson's trademarks, it could have significant financial and reputational implications for the company.

As of now, it is unclear how Trump Guitars will respond to the cease-and-desist order. However, the company's website is still active, and the guitars are still available for purchase. Gibson has made it clear that it will take further action if necessary to protect its trademarks.