Don goes for the gamble in Macau

Bid for casino trademark highlights ethical complexity of maintaining family branding

Shanghai, Aug. 7: A Trump Organisation company has applied for four new trademarks in the Asian gambling hub of Macau, including one for casinos, public records show.

The new applications highlight the ethical complexity of maintaining the family branding empire while Donald Trump serves as President, and are likely to stoke speculation about the organisation’s future business intentions in Macau, where casino licenses held by other companies come up for renewal beginning in 2020.

The applications for the Trump brand were made in June by a Delaware-registered company called DTTM Operations LLC. They cover gambling and casino services, as well as real estate, construction and restaurant and hotel services.

The applications were first reported by the South China Morning Post. The new applications are identical to four marks applied for in 2006, and granted, but lapsed earlier this year. It was not clear from public records why, though under Macau law trademarks can be forfeited for non-use.

There are currently no Trump-branded businesses in Macau. Trump’s trademarks have been a source of concern to ethics lawyers and Democratic officials, who fear they can give foreign governments the opportunity to try to influence the White House.

China has approved dozens of Trump trademarks since the President took office. Three US Lawsuits against the president contend that the Chinese marks constitute gifts from a foreign state and stand in violation of the emoluments clause of the US Constitution.

Trump and his lawyers reject that argument and contend that trademarks are a crucial defense against squatters seeking to exploit his name. Beijing says it has been fair and impartial in its handling of trademarks for the president and his daughter Ivanka Trump. Macau’s six casino operators, including Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts, face renewals for their licenses starting in 2020.