Donald Trump might launch his own phone and telecom network, patent filing suggests

India Today

16-06-2025

Donald Trump could be planning his next big move — and this time, it's not politics or real estate. Two new trademark applications filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hint at a possible Trump-branded mobile phone and telecom network. The filings were made on June 12 by DTTM Operations LLC, the company that handles the former president's trademarks, and include applications for the names 'TRUMP' and 'T1'. The documents mention products like mobile phones, phone cases, battery chargers, and wireless telecom services, along with plans to open physical retail stores under the Trump brand. While nothing is official yet, the level of detail in these filings does spark curiosity and speculation about what Trump's next business venture could be.advertisementAccording to the paperwork, the filings were submitted under what's known as an 'intent-to-use' basis. This means Trump's company isn't selling the products just yet, but has made a formal declaration that it genuinely plans to do so. A lawyer for the Trump Organisation even signed a sworn statement confirming this intent.Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who first spotted the applications and shared insights in a blog post, said that while a trademark filing doesn't guarantee a product will launch, the specifics point to 'serious consideration.' If the venture goes ahead, it would mark a notable shift for Trump's business, which has traditionally focused on property, hotels, and merchandise.
What's also interesting is the name T1. While it sounds like a catchy label for a phone or network, it could face legal trouble. Gerben notes that T-Mobile might challenge the trademark, given the similarity to its own brand. If the telecom giant argues that consumers might mistake T1 as being linked to or endorsed by T-Mobile, it could raise a trademark infringement claim.advertisementDespite these potential roadblocks, the filings suggest a clear ambition — to build a MAGA-branded alternative in the mobile space. Trump supporters could soon be carrying not just red hats, but possibly red phones too. Whether this idea will go beyond paper remains to be seen, but the groundwork has certainly been laid.These latest filings also add to a growing list of trademarks filed by Trump's companies in 2025 alone. As of June 13, there have been 27 such applications since he returned to office in January, indicating that branding remains a key part of Trump's broader strategy, whether in business, politics, or both.Tune In