If there is one thing that I know about promoting things, it is that you have to be extremely careful when you use someone’s name to promote a product or an event.
Let’s say that you were a Pepsi executive and you wanted to produce a new commercial, and you wanted to put in the commercial that Michael Jordan drank Pepsi and he thinks it is the greatest thing in the world. Ok, get to producing that commercial.
Just one teeny little problem, you got all the way into doing the commercial, and ten seconds before it is scheduled to air for the first time, someone realizes that they never actually asked Jordan if they could use his name…you’re asking for a lawsuit.
Now, it’s one thing for people to market on your name when you give them permission. When they don’t give permission, that’s when you can find yourself in hot water.
Lawyers for Donald Trump have sent a cease and desist letter to the RNC, demanding that they quit using Donald Trump’s name in fundraising letters.
The letters were also sent to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). President Trump plans on fundraising between now and 2024 whether he runs for president or wants to make contributions to candidates he endorses.
The letters can be confusing and lead people to believe they are donating to Trump instead of organizations that will fight for establishment Republicans, something that Trump would not favor. Once they contribute to those organizations, they may not feel the need to contribute legitimately to Trump. The cease and desist letter also covers displaying the likeness of Trump in order to urge people to contribute.
Politico also reported that: “Trump was furious that his name has been bandied about by organizations that help Republicans who voted to impeach him — without his permission. Trump, who made his fortune in licensing, has always been sensitive to how his name has been used to fundraise and support members, even while in office.”
On Friday the RNC sent out two mailers using Trump’s name including one that asked people to sign a thank you card for President Trump:
“President Trump will ALWAYS stand up for the American People, and I just thought of the perfect way for you to show that you support him! As one of President Trump’s MOST LOYAL supporters, I think that YOU, deserve the great honor of adding your name to the Official Trump ‘Thank You’ Card.”