President Donald Trump’s Latest Trademark Move: The Return of Trump the Game

In the billion-dollar world of board games, some titles become cultural phenomena while others fade into obscurity.  But what happens when a sitting U.S. president lays claim to a game that bears his name? A recent trademark application for Trump the Game isn’t just about safeguarding a brand- it highlights a unique convergence of politics, business, and intellectual property.

Donald Trump is no stranger to trademark registration processes as a means to legally protect his diverse business interests.  Through the years, his name has been affixed to everything, from real estate and television to steaks and vodka. But Trump the Game also recalls the late 1980s, when he launched the original board game as a Monopoly-like contest of high-stakes real estate deals. Since then, they've filed trademark applications for updated versions of the game, signaling a potential rise of the brand to unprecedented heights. 

What makes this filing especially notable is that it belongs to a sitting U.S. president. Although previous presidents have written books and founded institutions, few have actively pursued trademark applications while in office. This move appears to be an attempt to revive a business venture while strengthening the Trump brand in the gaming sector. It also brings up fascinating ideas: Is this just good-for-business, maybe a legacy play, something that will endure beyond his stay in the White House?

Trademark filings are not explicitly suggestive of an impending product release, but they can provide insight into strategic branding situations. Only time will tell if the game succeeds in an evergreen market saturated with modern board games and digital counterparts.

The bottom line for businesses and entrepreneurs is simple: Trademarks are a critical part of protecting a brand’s identity and preventing misuse by others without authorization. Regardless of the industry, intellectual property rights are an essential part of long-term business planning. In this instance, Trump the  Game is once again confirming that strategy is at the heart of the deal in both business and politics.