On May 30, Ivanka Trump abruptly exited a conference call when a press reporter asked her about her recently approved Chinese trademarks. The comments came during a conference call regarding the upcoming “White House Sports and Fitness Day.” However, reporters wanted a juicier story, and when it comes to Ivanka, the biggest story right now is recent trademarks granted by China.
Media outlets are reporting that China approved several trademarks for Ivanka Trump. Some are crying foul and many eyebrows are being raised because China’s trademark system is notoriously convoluted and slow moving. Yet President Trump and his family members have been granted numerous trademark applications since Trump won the election.
Over the past 3 months, Ivanka has seen 13 trademarks approved. Back in 2017, it was reported that the Trump family was granted 9 trademarks that had previously been rejected. In total, President Trump himself and the companies he owns have had at least 35 trademarks approved in China since assuming office.
The most recently approved trademarks come amid rising and easing tension between China and the United States. The two economic behemoths have been lining up across the battlefield, seemingly ready to throw themselves into an economic war. However, both China and the United States have made concessions, lending hope that the two nations may avoid an all-out battle.
China recently pledged to buy more American goods, specifically energy products and agricultural crops. Meanwhile, the United States agreed to allow Chinese phone maker ZTE a second life. Previously, the U.S. had banned the export of microchips and other vital inputs to ZTE, citing its trade with North Korea and other violations.
While these big moves garnered most of the headlines, some believe that China’s recent decision to grant Ivanka Trump a variety of trademarks may have also been a part of the geopolitical games. The trademark application approvals could be a sort of carrot. Do something we like, and we’ll reward you. Breath life into ZTE, and here are some valuable trademarks.
Indeed, President Trump’s decision to spare ZTE came shortly after seven of Ivanka’s trademarks were approved. The trademarks covered a broad range of businesses, including housewares, cushions, and books. The Trumps are famous for using their family branding on everything from steaks to their luxurious hotels.
Why is this a potentially big deal? If the Chinese are using trademarks and other business opportunities to appease President Trump and his family, it could compromise his decision-making process. Despite early pledges to step away from his company, Trump still remains heavily and directly invested in the Trump Organization.
Typically, Western companies face an uphill battle in registering their trademarks locally. However, China’s legal system is largely regarded as lacking independence and is considered by many to be a de facto party apparatus of the Chinese Communist Party. If China’s political leaders wanted to speed up the trademark application process or secure a desired outcome, it’d likely take little more than a phone call.
Ivanka’s headaches come shortly after Donald Trump Jr. found himself under fire for allegedly meeting with Gulf Emissaries. According to the New York Times, the emissaries had pledged to help the Trump campaign win the election. Leaders from both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are believed to have been present.
