Donald Trump's company 'plagiarised a family's coat of arms'

Only noticeable difference between two crests is 'Integritas', Latin word for integrity found on original, substituted for 'Trump'

Trademark application was denied by British authorities in 2007 for Aberdeenshire golf course (REUTERS/David Moir)

Donald Trump’s company is using a coat of arms that belongs to a different family, it has been claimed.

The Trump organisation is reportedly using the crest, which sports three lions and two chevrons on a shield below a gloved hand gripping an arrow, on its golf properties and merchandise in the US.

However, the coat of arms is reportedly a near exact copy of the emblem granted to American diplomat Joseph Edward Davies in 1939, according to The New York Times, with the only noticeable difference being “Integritas”, the Latin word for integrity, substituted for “Trump.”

The property tycoon reportedly began using the crest in 1985 after he bought his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, from a foundation set up by Mr Davies’ wife.

Former Sen Joseph Tydings, Mr Davies’ grandson, told the Times Mr Trump never asked permission to use the coat of arms.

He said his grandfather “would be rolling over in his grave to think [Mr Trump] was using his crest.”

It emerged after British trademark regulators denied the Trump Organisation the rights to the emblem in 2007, after Mr Trump tried to use the crest at his Aberdeenshire golf course.

A different crest was later used at his two Scottish golf resorts. A copy of the trademark ruling was obtained by the Times under a freedom of information request.

In the US where there is less stringent regulation, the crest is trademarked by the Trump organisation.