An Invercargill consortium establishing a new fundraising business was surprised to receive a threatening letter from Donald Trump's lawyers.
The group trademarked the name "Trumpcard" for its fledgling business last year.
Soon afterwards it received a letter from the Trump corporation claiming the "knowing and unauthorised use of the 'TRUMP'
in the promotion of your business is an obvious attempt to trade on Mr Trump's well established reputation", The Southland Times reported.
It called on the business to provide assurances it would immediately stop using the name.
Part-owner Neil Selman said the group was shocked to receive the gold embossed letter, via FedEx.
They had been aware there could be a potential conflict so worked hard to ensure its court jester logo was different from anything used by the Trump organisation.
Mr Selman replied to the corporation that although he had become aware of Mr Trump in recent years, the reference was to Trumps in a card playing sense - "a positive meaning dating back to 1529 that I'm sure most people would have some knowledge of long before Mr Trump gained profile."
The lawyer agreed that the usage of the name Trumpcard did not appear to be similar to Mr Trump's own trade marks but warned "we will be closely monitoring your use of the...trademark."
The Trumpcard is a loyalty card that people can swipe at participating businesses.
- NZPA
