Donald Trump Awarded New Trademarks in China Which Could Present Further Conflicts of Interest
U.S. President Donald Trump is adding six more trademarks in China in sectors including veterinary services which will likely help to expand his business influence across China.
During his election campaign Trump accused China of stealing American jobs, but since meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, he has taken a friendlier approach to the world's second-largest economy.
Trump added trademarks in construction and now has 123 registered or approved trademarks across China.
Trump makes money as a businessman from licensing his name to certain products although he has no physical business operating from China. Four of the trademarks in China are registered under DTTM Operations.
As President, Trump no longer conducts international business and Trump Operations is run by his adult sons.
Items with Trump's name on it, like leather goods and cosmetics, are being sold around China, a country popular with counterfeiters. Trademarks there are usually awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and it's a popular service among celebrities who want to sell products with their names on the item.
China has granted Ivanka Trump, Trump's daughter, four more trademarks since April, despite recent controversy over her shoe-producing factories in China. It's been claimed workers producing Ivanka Trump items are working in poor conditions and paid very low wages.
According to the Trademark Office Database, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC has at least 24 trademarks granted provisional or full approval in China, plus 43 pending marks and three invalid marks, ABC news reported.
News of Trump's trademark success will add further fuel to the fire for critics who say his business represents a serious conflict of interest. Democratic attorney generals in Maryland and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against Trump, related to conflicts of interest.
Trump has been trying to increase trademarks in China for years. On February 15, Trump won sole rights to use his name on products throughout the country, from condoms to explosives. It prevents other entrepreneurs using his name on products to make money.
