Former US President Donald Trump has launched legal action against retail giants Amazon and eBay, alleging the platforms profited from the sale of counterfeit 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) merchandise.
The lawsuits claim the companies knowingly allowed unauthorised vendors to sell fake Trump-branded products, including hats, T-shirts, and other campaign memorabilia. Trump's legal team argues this not only violated trademark laws but also misled supporters who believed they were purchasing official merchandise.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to court documents, Trump's representatives sent multiple cease-and-desist letters to both Amazon and eBay before filing the lawsuits. The legal action seeks unspecified damages and demands the immediate removal of all counterfeit MAGA products from the platforms.
Amazon and eBay have yet to issue formal statements regarding the lawsuits. However, both companies have longstanding policies against counterfeit goods and typically remove such items when reported.
Political and Financial Implications
This legal battle highlights the ongoing challenges e-commerce platforms face in policing counterfeit goods. For Trump, the lawsuits represent both a financial and political move, as MAGA merchandise has been a significant revenue stream for his campaign and affiliated organisations.
Legal experts suggest the case could set an important precedent for how online marketplaces are held accountable for counterfeit sales, particularly involving political merchandise.
