Eric Perrott Analyzes ‘Board of Peace’ Trademarks for Bloomberg

The USPTO director and a group called Patriot Principles Project Inc (PPP) both filed trademark applications early in 2026 to protect ‘Board of Peace.’ Questions have arisen as to who should actually own the trademarks, as the USPTO Director’s filings are under congressional scrutiny and they were the first filed.

Eric Perrott discusses the unique case with Bloomberg. 

Because the trademarks are confusingly similar, PPP does have the standing to oppose the USPTO’s applications. And while standing isn’t limited to parties whose applications are threatened by a new trademark filing, “it is always easier if you get a USPTO refusal of your applications,’ said trademark attorney Eric Perrott.

Perrott believes there are issues with both sets of filings.

The filings made by the USPTO, identify the USPTO as the owner, even though the agency doesn’t have any management authority over the president’s Board of Peace. “This runs contrary to the principal of trademark law that says the owner of a trademark application must be the actual owner and have actual control of the mark or at least a bona fide intent to use it,” said Perrott.

“On the other hand, PPP seems to be using the trademark registration system as a political act. By seeking exclusive rights, the company could limit the public’s ability to use the phrase. My cynical view of it is they got next in line, if the PTO applications are rejected,” said Perrott. “That’s an interesting place to be in.”

Another issue with both sets of applications?

It is very difficult to register a trademark that merely describes the applicant’s intended goods and services. “‘Board of peace’ is likely a descriptive phrase, so does anyone own the rights in that?” Perrott asked.

Source: Shapiro, Michael. https://www.news.bloomberglaw.com/. “Patent Office’s Board of Peace Trademark Bid Now Has Competition”. 14 May 2026.