The American guitar brand Gibson is threatening a pro-Trump manufacturer with legal action, accusing it of copying the shape of its legendary Les Paul model, several American media reported on Tuesday.
The Trump Guitars brand has sold out of its stock of a six-string electric guitar model, named American Eagle and autographed by Donald Trump, which it was selling for US$11,500 (approximately CA$16,109).
The instrument, promoted as the only approved guitar
by the new American president, looks exactly like a Gibson Les Paul, a model inspired by the world-famous guitarist of the same name, with whom Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry and even Keith Richards played.
Furious, Gibson sent a cease-and-desist letter to 16 Creative, the company that created the Trump Guitars brand.
The manufacturer believes that this design infringes on Gibson’s proprietary trademarks, particularly the iconic shape of the Les Paul guitar
according to the letter.
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On the left, the Gibson Les Paul model and on the right, a Donald J. Trump electric guitar from the “Presidential Series” by Trump Guitars
Photo: Gibson website and Trump Guitars website
A presidential series
of guitars
Trump Guitars also offers a presidential series
guitars in red, gold or black, the shape of which again strangely resembles that of the Les Paul, with a neck engraved with the inscription Donald J. Trump.
Its website specifies that the brand is not affiliated with Gibson and that Images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product
.
He also explains that guitars are manufactured by multiple suppliers and include domestic and international parts and features
.
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Donald Trump signs the acoustic version of the American Eagle model, sold by Trump Guitars.
Photo : Site web de Trump Guitars
A series of derivative products bearing the name of Trump
Without further details, it is difficult to know whether these guitars could be targeted by the very sharp increase in customs tariffs that Donald Trump wishes to impose on products coming from Mexico, Canada or China.
During his campaign, the newly elected president put his name on a whole series of products that have nothing to do with his real estate empire.
The Republican billionaire offered his supporters US$100,000 watches, limited edition coins, golden shoes and even autographed Bibles, some of which were made in China.
