Supreme Court upholds rejection of “Trump Too Small” trademark in free speech dispute
Washington — The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that U.S. Patent and Trademark Office didn’t violate the First Amendment when it refused to register a trademark for the phrase “Trump Too Small,” saying a federal law prohibiting trademarks that include other people’s names does not run afoul of the Constitution.
The high court reversed a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which found that barring registration of “Trump Too Small” under a provision of federal trademark law unconstitutionally restricted free speech.
“The history and tradition of restricting trademarks containing names is sufficient to conclude that the names clause is compatible with the First Amendment,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the majority.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.