China Approves New Trump-Branded Massage Parlors, Bars and Escort Services: Report

Source: Alternet

A raft of trademarks raises more questions about the president's possible violation of the Emoluments Clause.
By Jacob Sugarman / AlterNet March 8, 2017

China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce has granted preliminary approval on 38 Trump trademarks for a raft of businesses including branded spa, massage and escort services, the Associated Press reports. All but three are in the president's name. Other Trump trademarks include golf clubs, hotels, insurance, finance and real estate companies, restaurants, bars and bodyguard services, although the AP is careful to note "it's unclear whether any such businesses will actually materialize in China."

Trump has called China the "grand champions" of currency manipulation and recently sparked an international incident when he declined to acknowledge the country's one-state policy, a course he has since reversed.

The AP report fuels further speculation that the president may violate the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prevents public officials from accepting gifts or titles from a foreign state without the consent of Congress.

"A routine trademark, patent or copyright from a foreign government is likely not an unconstitutiunal emolument," says Richard Painter, who served as chief ethics lawyer for George W. Bush. "But with so many trademarks being granted over such a short time period, the question arises as to whether there is an accomodation in at least some of them."

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