Trump Org’s Airport Naming Deal with Palm Beach County Revealed
A newly released licensing agreement between the Trump Org and Palm Beach County is shedding light on how the name ‘Donald J. Trump International Airport’ will be controlled by Trump Org following the airport’s renaming.
The agreement, signed May 3 by Donald Trump, outlines the terms under which the county can use trademarks filed by Trump Org for the ‘Donald J. Trump International Airport’ name.
The License Agreement Does Not Give Palm Beach County Exclusive Use of the Name
At the center of the agreement is the fact that this is a non-exclusive license, meaning Palm Beach County is permitted to use the airport name, including on signage and merchandise, but does not hold exclusive rights.
That distinction is significant.
Because the license is non-exclusive, Trump Org retains the ability to:
- Use the airport name commercially elsewhere
- License the trademark to other third parties
- Continue producing and selling its own branded merchandise
In effect, while the county operates the airport, Trump’s business entity maintains parallel rights to monetize the name beyond the airport itself.
Only Retailers Pre-approved by Trump Org May Make Merchandise
The licensing agreement also imposes strict conditions on how merchandise bearing the Airport name can be produced and sold.
Any goods sold at the airport must be sourced from pre-approved vendors authorized by Trump Org. While the agreement specifies that Trump Org is not to receive direct financial compensation from sales of merchandise at the Airport, it still allows Trump Org to control which companies are eligible to produce the goods, a provision that could indirectly shape who benefits commercially.
Enforcement of the “no financial compensation” clause ultimately falls to Palm Beach County.
Trump Org Retains Editorial Control Over Trump’s Name and Likeness
Another key provision gives Trump and his company final approval over how his name, image, and likeness are used at the airport.
That includes:
- Photographs displayed on-site
- Written descriptions or biographical references
- Any broader messaging tied to the airport branding
The clause effectively limits the county’s editorial discretion, ensuring that portrayals of Trump, as both an individual and a former president, align with his personal preferences.
Trump Org has the Ability to Audit the Airport’s Books
Finally, this Agreement provides Trump Org with the ability to audit the Airport’s books.
Specifically, Trump Org may have access to “all books, records, and financial information relevant to such audits.”
What Comes Next
The release of the agreement offers the clearest look yet at how the high-profile renaming will function in practice, blending public infrastructure with privately controlled intellectual property.
At this point, the legal path has been cleared, allowing the renaming process to officially begin.
Josh Gerben, Esq.
Josh Gerben, Esq. is a nationally recognized trademark attorney and the founder of Gerben IP. Since launching the firm in 2008, he has overseen the registration of over 10,000 trademarks and handled over 1,500 trademark disputes. Josh's practice focuses on building and defending global trademark portfolios for clients. These clients include entrepreneurs, private equity-backed businesses, athletes, celebrities, and public companies. Frequently quoted by major media outlets like CNBC, CNN, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, Josh is widely regarded as a leading authority in trademark law.
Do you need assistance with a trademark matter?
Contact an Attorney Today