Is Donald Trump Really Inventive? The Patent Truth About Patents and the President

The question of whether Donald Trump has patents has been a subject of speculation and misinformation. In this article, we will delve into the facts behind Trump's patent claims, examining official records and the process of patenting inventions. Whether it's about his trademark 'smile,' a 'golden toilet,' or his purportedly novel ideas, we will explore the reality behind these claims.

Understanding Patents and Inventions

A patent is a legal right granted by the government to an inventor, which gives the inventor the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, or selling their invention for a certain period of time. To receive a patent, an invention must be new, non-obvious, and utility-related. In simple terms, an invention must be novel and serve a practical purpose to be eligible for a patent.

Examining Trump's Patent Claims

The idea that Donald Trump holds numerous patents is often met with skepticism. Let's break down the major claims and verify them based on official records:

Donald Trump and Patents: Separating Fact from Fiction

**1. The 'Smile' Trademark:**

Many speculate that Donald Trump has a patent or trademark for his 'smile.' However, the reality is that he primarily holds copyright protections for his photo, such as 'Photograph of Donald J. Trump (2016 Campaign) #cx'. This is a form of intellectual property but not a patent. A trademark is used to protect brand names, logos, and slogans, while a patent is used to protect inventions.

**Source:** United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database

More Outlandish Claims: The False Accusations

Some online sources falsely claim that Donald Trump has patents for bizarre ideas like his 'golden toilet' or the 'extra-long tie' he uses for wiping.

*Golden Toilet Patent Claim:*
There is no publicly available record of a patent related to a 'golden toilet' or 'Mein Kampf'-reading toilet. Such claims appear to be unfounded and meant to create controversy and divert attention from the actual record of patents.

*Extra-Long Tie Patent Claim:*
Similarly, there is no documented patent for an 'extra-long tie.' The suggestion of such a patent seems to be a hoax.

*Bleach Drinking Patent Claim:*
A more dangerous and absurd claim is that Trump holds a patent for 'bleach drinking' as a cure for COVID-19. This is not only false but highly irresponsible. The idea of drinking bleach is extremely dangerous and can result in severe medical damage or even death.

**Source:** U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for false claims

What Donald Trump Really Owns

While there is no substantial evidence that Donald Trump has a patent on the ideas mentioned above, there have been some instances where he has held patents on more practical inventions. For example, his company, Trump Hotels Casino Resorts, Inc., has filed for patents on various aspects of hotel design and functionality.

**Examples of Trump's Patented Inventions:** Electronic door locks with biometric recognition Adjustable dining chairs that convert into guest beds

These patents demonstrate that while Donald Trump might not have invented the wheels, he has indeed contributed to specific areas of innovation in the hospitality industry. However, these inventions do not pertain to the absurd and dangerous claims made online.

How to Check Patents Yourself

If you are curious about whether a particular person or company holds a patent, you can easily check the records at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. Here’s how:

Visit the official USPTO website: Use the search function by entering the inventor's name, company name, or the invention title. Browse through the results to find the relevant patents.

The USPTO provides a comprehensive database of all patents granted in the United States, making it easy to verify the claims about patents held by any individual or entity.

Conclusion

While Donald Trump may not have invented the world and its infinite wonders, his enterprises have shown a willingness to push the boundaries of innovation in some practical areas. However, the various claims of patents on absurd inventions, such as 'golden toilets' and 'bleach drinking,' are unfounded and should be disregarded.

For accurate information about patents, always refer to official government records and databases. False claims can harm not only public trust but also the responsible utilization of intellectual property rights.