Trademark violation
Gibson, the maker of famous electric guitars, has issued a cease and desist order to the company behind a range of “Trump Guitars” endorsed by the US president-elect.
Gibson told Guitar World, which first reported the story, it took action because the design of the instruments being sold as Trump Guitars “infringes upon Gibson’s exclusive trademarks, particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape”.
Named for the American musician the Guardian once said “basically invented the electric guitar”, Gibson Les Pauls have been sold since 1952 and played by countless rock legends, among them the Edge of U2, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Slash of Guns N’ Roses.
Trump Guitars were announced last week, as the latest in a line of merchandise including Bibles, sneakers, watches and even digital trading cards.
Well of course; all incoming heads of state do that.
Or do they? Am I wrong?
Last week Trump posted to his social media platform a picture of him holding a guitar emblazoned with a US flag and a bald eagle, with the message: “Coming Soon! The Limited Edition ‘45’ Guitar. Only 1,300 of each Acoustic and Electric Guitars MADE – Some personally signed!”
Sure. Remember when Obama promoted basketballs with his name on them? No? Ok what about dog collars with his name on them? No? Erm…coffee mugs? Picnic baskets? Cameras? Cars? There must have been something.
On Wednesday, a website for Trump Guitars featured a picture of the president-elect signing an instrument. Two models were marked sold out: American Eagle electric guitars (priced $1,500) and autographed American Eagle electric guitars ($11,500).
Unsigned ($1,250) and signed ($10,250) acoustic guitars were also offered, each featuring Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again”, on its fretboard. The website also offered a Presidential Series guitar, in the Les Paul shape and with Trump’s name on the fretboard, and God Bless the USA acoustic guitars displaying that message, the title of a song by the country singer Lee Greenwood that is also affixed to Trump’s endorsed Bible.
You getcher Trump endorsed bible and your Trump-endorsed gun and you are set for life.
I’m pretty sure Carter sold a line of peanuts while he was president. Wait, he didn’t? Wow, imagine that. Such a loser, failing to capitalize on the biggest bully pulpit available anywhere.
Reagan during his career sold everything under the sun in advertisements; when he was president, he didn’t. Even Dubya Bush looks classy compared to Trump.
But as you probably recall, his brother did sell Billy Beer on the heels of his presidency. He took quite a beating in the media too, with people pointing out how much of a redneck Billy was.
As if the bar could get any lower. I remember Trump hocking a board game back in the 80’s and thinking what a gauche lowlife he was (and still is).
Yes, it’s such a natural fit; if Donald Trump is known for anything, it’s his musical ability.
That and his erudition.
I assume it’s a Trump branded microphone that makes this sound so special:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf4jf0wHpBw