Trademark owner GRABBA THE TRUMP is hoping for a tweet from Trump
Sheridan " Shed " Simove registers the trademark GRABBA THE TRUMP at the United Kingdom Office (UKIPO) on 6 March 2018. It concerns in particular games and toys in class 27. Its registration dates from 1 January 2010.er June 2018. Simove wants Trump and Disney to show up.
This multi-disciplinary owner (author, television producer, professional speaker and product designer) likes to file mischievous and satirical trademark applications, with the aim of getting people talking and getting reactions. Tinder thus opposes its trademark SHINDER designating a dating application, of which Simove has the only male account. Sheridan "Shed" Simove also had fun registering the trademark THE TRADEMARK OFFICE HAS NO SENSE OF HUMOUR.
With this new brand, Simove expects a reaction from Trump and Disney. GRABBA THE TRUMP is a direct reference to Trump, but also evokes a Star Wars character called Jabba the Hutt. What's behind this mark? What is the position of the American President and the giant of divertissement ?
Why did you register the trademark GRABBA THE TRUMP?
Simove believes that it has registered its trademark GRABBA THE TRUMP for art. It is also intended to encourage owners of well-known trademarks to file oppositions. Thus, when filing, he hopes that Trump will oppose his trademark. For him, this is a sign of high distinction.
It's a Trump parody figurine in the form of a space slug that bears the mark GRABBA THE TRUMP. He also sells on his website a MAKE AMERICA GRATE AGAIN cheese grater and a DONALD THUMP punching bag ("Punch Donald").
The media has been following Simove's actions for 20 years. A trademark application is sometimes a "bait" for a known trademark to oppose it and create buzz.
What do Trump and Disney think?
Trump and Disney seem to see no point in reacting to this agent provocateur at this time. The online magazine World Trademark Review questioned lawyers about the lack of opposition from the two American celebrities.
As for Disney, Chris McLeod, a partner at Elkington and Fife LLP, believes that the similarity between this brand and JABBA THE HUTT is too weak. Michael Downing, a trademark attorney with Downing IP, confirms this position. He considers that Disney must prove that it owns an earlier similar mark. If GRABBA THE TRUMP evokes the Star Wars character Jabba. He thinks the similarity is hard to invoke.
Moreover, as regards Trump, McLeod is surprised that the Trump organisation does not oppose the pejorative mark. GRABBA THE TRUMP. Michael Downing agrees, especially since Trump doesn't like jokes at his expense and often retaliates on Twitter. In the event of action, the Trump organization has to prove that its earlier trademarks cover the figurines, which does not seem obvious. However, Trump's brand awareness can be put forward.
Time will tell if Disney and Trump are launching stocks. At least that's what Simove is looking forward to.