Josh Gerben and The New York Times Discuss the Trump Org Licensing Agreement for Airport Name

After Palm Beach County discussed renaming it’s airport after Donald Trump, Trump Org filed trademarks to protect the name. The trademark licensing agreement between Trump Org and Palm Beach County was recently approved.

Josh Gerben analyzes the agreement for The New York Times. 

“The Trump family won’t profit from branded merchandise sold at the airport, under the agreement. However it does not prevent the family from profiting off any such merchandise sold outside the airport’s premises,” said trademark attorney Josh Gerben. “The agreement also requires that the airport picks a merchandise vendor from a Trump Org approved list.”

Another stipulation is that Trump Org has control over any biographical or likeness items at the airport, with ability to approve or deny usage.

Mr. Gerben called the agreement “extremely unusual when it comes to an honorary naming of an airport.” He noted that other airports named after presidents, such as Kennedy in New York and Reagan in Washington, do not have licensing agreements with private businesses benefiting those presidents’ families.

Source: Mazzei, Patricia. https://www.nytimes.com/. “Trump Will Control His Image at Palm Beach’s Newly Named Trump Airport”. 5 May 2026.