The Trump Organization, through its entity DTTM Operations LLC, filed a federal trademark application for “TRUMP TV.” This came three days after the White House launched a streaming channel under the same brand. The application could affect future use of the channel’s name by the White House and might necessitate a licensing agreement between the government and the Trump Organization.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) records show the application was filed on September 24. Trademark attorney Josh Gerben highlighted the rarity of such a filing in U.S. history.
Trademark Coverage
The application seeks protection for “TRUMP TV” across various platforms, including television broadcasting, streaming services, mobile applications, and news programming. The intent is to offer content on politics, business, current events, and international affairs. The filing was submitted on an intent-to-use basis and includes four international trademark classes with a fee of $1,400.
Implications for Government Use
DTTM Operations LLC, an intellectual property holding entity for the Trump Organization, filed the trademark. Gerben explained that for the government to use “TRUMP TV,” a licensing agreement with the Trump Organization would be necessary. Without it, any claims to the trademark could be invalidated due to a “naked license.” Gerben speculated that a licensing agreement might already exist.
Filing Timing
The White House launched “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station” on September 21. The trademark application was filed three days later. This sequence suggests the creation of “Trump TV” was expedited. Typically, businesses file trademark applications before launching a product or service to secure legal rights in advance.
Controversy and Criticism
The timing of the trademark filing coincides with intensified scrutiny over the administration’s communications strategy. After barring certain news outlets from White House access, a temporary restraining order was issued by U.S. District Judge Timothy James Kelly, requiring the immediate restoration of the outlets’ press credentials. Critics, including Democrats and members of Trump’s own party, have voiced concerns about the administration’s media strategy.
Consent and Examination Process
Trump personally consented to the trademark registration, as required for living individuals. The application will undergo the USPTO’s examination process, which generally takes about five months. The process, though under the executive branch, is intended to function independently, with an examiner randomly assigned to evaluate the application.
Though he refrained from discussing constitutional or ethical implications, Gerben noted that trademark licensing agreements typically involve some form of exchange. A fee might not be required, but the use of the trademark by the government could create value for the Trump Organization.
Leave a Reply