Ivanka Trump wins 13 trademarks in China

The first daughter of the United States role in the White House has been a turbulent one to say the least, however, all is not lost for Ivanka Trump it seems. She recently won 13 new trademarks in China over the last three months for items including everything from books to pillows as reported by Fortune.

An additional eight trademarks have received the provisional from Beijing which will be finalized in three months, barring no objections rise during the comment period. There's something fishy here though.

Ivanka serves as a senior advisor to the president. The Trump administration is currently in trade negotiations with China that could easily lead to a trade war. This presents an obvious conflict of interest.

Ivanka Trump granted new trademarks in China

Norm Eisen, ethics chief under President Obama, told CNN that, "The conflict comes because we do not know if the Trump administration is making these official decisions [on China] to benefit the U.S., or to get more trademarks and other benefits for the Trump family."

“Ivanka Trump’s refusal to divest from her business is especially troubling as the Ivanka brand continues to expand its business in foreign countries,” explained Noah Bookbinder, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics to the AP. “It raises significant questions about corruption, as it invites the possibility that she could be benefiting financially from her position and her father’s presidency or that she could be influenced in her policy work by countries’ treatment of her business.”

Records from China's trademark office, which were reviewed by the AP, show that Ivanka filed for 17 trademarks just one day before she took a formal role in the White House on March 28, 2017. Her brand currently has 36 trademarks in China, with 25 still waiting for review as reported by AP.

Although Ivanka has ceased managing her brand, she still has an ownership stake, meaning she is barred by federal regulations from being part of deals in which she has a financial stake. Her company has retorted any ethics conflicts saying it is just standard trademark procedure to prevent from trademark infringement.

It's possible China is so favorable to Ivanka's trademark desires in hopes of currying favor with Donald. The latter is also hoping China will keep pressure on North Korea as he attempts to salvage a June 12 summit with Kim Jong Un.

photo: via Ivankatrump.com