It seems Gibson is back in the courtroom spotlight—again. This time, the iconic guitar company has its sights set on “Trump Guitars,” a brand claiming to be endorsed by none other than Donald J. Trump.
The cease-and-desist order revolves around one of Gibson’s favorite battlegrounds: their sacred Les Paul body shape trademark. But this lawsuit isn’t just about protecting intellectual property—it’s another chapter in Gibson’s well-documented history of litigation.
What’s the Deal with Trump Guitars?
Trump Guitars, marketed by 16 Creative, proudly flaunts models like the “American Eagle Series,” featuring patriotic themes, the infamous “Make America Great Again” slogan inlaid in pearl, and the number “45” stamped on the headstock.
The cherry on top? A promotional image of Trump holding one of these guitars like it’s a nuclear button.
One acoustic guitar even boasts Trump’s signature, turning a $1,250 instrument into a $10,000 collectible. And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve got the “Presidential Series” in black, gold, and red—perfect for anyone trying to channel their inner Oval Office rock star.
The guitars are described as being crafted with the help of a “master luthier” and a “veteran-owned company,” but the FAQ page reveals their manufacturing is spread across domestic and international facilities. So much for “Made in America.”
So Who Makes Trump Guitars?
Internet sleuths have discovered that it might be GROTE Guitars making these instruments. The likeness is honestly uncanny, but we cannot confirm this at the time of writing.
GROTE as a brand is known for its Amazon offerings that we have looked at before and discussed on our podcast. The brand has guitars for every budget, starting at $200 or so.
It will be a while before we see who actually makes the Trump Guitars. So far, no American brand has claimed to build them, leading us to our problem.
The Only Thing More Iconic Than The Les Paul Is Gibson’s LOVE of Lawsuits…
Gibson’s litigious nature is nothing new. Over the years, they’ve earned a reputation for being quick to defend their designs, trademarks, and patents.
Here are a few memorable cases:
- Dean Guitars (2019): Gibson took on Dean and Luna Guitars, claiming infringement on the body shapes of their Les Paul, Explorer, and Flying V designs. This battle turned into a multi-year saga that showcased just how fiercely Gibson guards its territory.
- Heritage Guitars (2021): Even former Gibson employees haven’t been safe. Heritage, a company started by ex-Gibson workers, found themselves in hot water over body shape similarities. Ironically, they were making guitars in the same factory where many of Gibson’s classics were born.
- Chibson (Ongoing): Gibson has gone after counterfeiters, particularly those producing “Chibson” knockoffs in China. While this might seem like a noble cause, some critics argue that Gibson’s focus on small-time counterfeiters feels more like a PR move than an effective strategy.
With Trump Guitars, the dispute is rooted in Gibson’s claim that the Les Paul body shape is iconic and protected by trademarks. And while that might be true, you have to wonder—did Gibson see a real threat in a niche brand cashing in on Trump’s name, or is this just another flex to remind everyone who’s boss?
Gibson has been the king of frivolous lawsuits in the past, but with a guitar that is so popular, Trump Guitars should have seen this coming.
What Happens Next?
Trump Guitars hasn’t issued a public response yet, and it’s unclear if Trump himself has any real connection to the brand. (Let’s be honest, does anyone picture him noodling away on a Les Paul?)
Still, the company might have a hard time defending their designs against Gibson’s legal team, who have the resources and track record to make these lawsuits stick.
In fact, if Gibson wins this lawsuit it will be one of the firsts! So far, Gibson has yet to sue another brand and win. But who is making the Trump Guitars and how do you chase an imaginary enemy?
But it’s worth asking: how much longer can Gibson keep this up? In an era when new and boutique guitar brands are popping up like mushrooms, Gibson’s aggressive legal strategy may alienate potential fans and collaborators.
What Do You Think?
Gibson’s latest legal drama is a fascinating mix of politics, pop culture, and intellectual property law.
Whether you see Gibson as a champion of artistic integrity or a corporate Goliath squashing the little guy, one thing’s for sure—they’ve got no plans to lay down their swords anytime soon.
What do you think? Should Gibson lighten up, or is it their right to go after any design that resembles their classic shapes? Drop your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take.
Fun Fact
Did you know Gibson once tried to trademark the color cherry sunburst? That’s like Fender trademarking the sound of an E chord.
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