Don't Mess with Texas
From Free net encyclopedia
The phrase "Don't Mess with Texas" is a slogan for the Texas Department of Transportation, and was designed to reduce littering on Texas roadways used as part of a statewide advertising campaign in 1986. The phrase was prominently shown on road signs on major highways, as well as in television, radio and print advertisements. Owing to the great popularity of the campaign, the slogan has been appropriated by the citizens of Texas for general use. Though it appears on countless items of tourist paraphernalia, the phrase is actually a federally registered trademark; the agency has tried at times to enforce its trademark rights, but has not yet been successful. "Don't Mess With Texas" is also the official motto of the submarine USS Texas.
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History
The campaign first appeared at the Cotton Bowl in 1987. Some of the musicians featured in the original campaign:
- Asleep at the Wheel
- Marcia Ball
- Joe Ely
- The Fabulous Thunderbirds
- Lyle Lovett
- Willie Nelson
- LeAnn Rimes
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Jerry Jeff Walker
Unauthorized use of the trademark
The Department of Transportation has sent cease and desist letters to several organizations regarding their unauthorized use of the trademark phrase.
- The University of Texas at Austin stopped selling T-shirts with the phrase after being contacted by the organization.
- The department attempted to block the Texas Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League from the sale of "Don't Mess With Texas Women" T-shirts, but was unsuccessful.