Gibson vs. Trump Guitars: The Cease and Desist Explained

Guitar manufacturer Gibson has issued a cease-and-desist against the branding agency behind a line of guitars endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump, alleging the design infringes the company’s trademarks, Billboard has confirmed.

The cease-and-desist against 16 Creative alleges the guitar line infringes on its trademark for the “iconic Les Paul body shape,” a Gibson spokesperson tells Billboard. Trump is not specifically targeted by the order.

The “Trump Guitars” — adorned with a bald eagle, an American flag, Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan and the number “45” in reference to Trump’s first term — were unveiled by Trump on Wednesday (Nov. 20) via a post on his Truth Social platform. The line boasts both acoustic and electric versions in various colors for $1,250 and $1,500, respectively, while other models including Trump’s signature retail for between $10,250 and $11,500. According to the website, a total of 1,275 guitars were manufactured, with several body styles already out of stock.

 

Trump’s exact involvement in the guitar line, listed for sale at the website GetTrumpGuitars.com, is unclear. The website notes simply that the guitars are the only ones “officially endorsed by President Donald J. Trump.” It also states that all of the guitars were “custom designed and developed by a Veteran owned company with the help of a master luthier.” It adds that the guitars were “manufactured by multiple providers and include parts/features that are both domestic and international.”

Neither 16 Creative nor a Trump campaign spokesperson immediately responded to Billboard‘s requests for comment.

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