Gibson Guitars has issued a cease-and-desist order to 16 Creative, the company behind Trump Guitars, for alleged trademark infringement. The controversy centers on Trump Guitars’ American Eagle and Presidential series models, which Gibson claims unlawfully mimic its Les Paul body design. The guitars have been publicly endorsed by president-elect Donald Trump, with promotional images featuring Trump prominently displayed on the Trump Guitars’ website.
The cease-and-desist, confirmed by Gibson on November 25, accused 16 Creative of infringing upon its exclusive trademarks.
A spokesperson for Gibson clarified, “We can confirm a cease-and-desist has been issued against 16 Creative as the design infringes upon Gibson’s exclusive trademarks, particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape.”
The Trump Guitars website now features a disclaimer in multiple locations, stating: “GetTrumpGuitars.com is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Gibson Brands Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates, nor does it represent itself as a dealer, manufacturer or distributor of Gibson, Les Paul Standard, Les Paul Custom or any of their products.”
Since news broke, Trump Guitars has also updated its website with new images of the Presidential series, showing slight design modifications. These changes suggest an attempt to address the alleged infringement, while maintaining the brand’s product offerings.
