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Mon, Aug 29th 2011 9:06am

Filed Under:
don't mess with texas, texas, trademark, txdot

Don't Mess With Texas... Or, Well, Don't Use That Slogan As A Book Title Or Texas Will Sue

from the moron-in-a-hurry dept

You've probably heard the phrase "don't mess with texas." It's pretty widely known in general, but what you might not know is that the phrase is actually trademarked by the Texas Department of Transportation as a part of an anti-litter campaign. I had no idea. Anyway, the state is quite upset that anyone might think of the phrase in any context other than combating litter. Stephen S. Power alerts us to the news that the state has sued over a romance novel with the phrase as its title. And they're going all in. They've sued the publisher of the book, Hachette Book Group, and the author, Christie Craig, and they're even going after Barnes & Noble for daring to stock the book.

Amazingly, the state doesn't even seem to want to hide the fact that it's flat out abusing trademark law. Remember, trademark law is only supposed to prevent confusion and no "moron in a hurry" is going to think that the Texas Department of Transportation has put out a bodice ripper novel. And rather than allege that, the state seems to just be saying that it doesn't like sex:

"The book," TxDOT's suit says, "contains numerous graphic references to sexual acts, states of sexual arousal, etc."

They're afraid that this will harm their ability to keep the streets clean of litter. I'm not quite sure how. Of course, if you look, it appears that TxDOT does, in fact, have a number of federal registered trademarks on the phrase. I went through them all and not a single one appears to be for books, however. There are things like clothing, signs, luggage tags, beverage holders, garbage bags, "plastic squeeze flashlights," etc. But nothing about books.

Here's hoping the defendants do decide to "mess with Texas" and teach them a little something about trademark law.

43 Comments | Leave a Comment..

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fogbugzd (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:12am

It looks like they are trying to censor material someone at the Texas DOT doesn't approve of. Too bad the Texas DOT isn't familiar with the concept of "Freedom of Speech" or that pesky First Amendment thing.
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Don't they know...
paulpuri (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:21am

That sexy times and sexy times books keep people busy from doin other bad things? Like littering?

And kids..... Don't do sodomy....
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Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:25am

They should rename the book - "Everything's bigger in Texas"
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Don't they know...
:Lobo Santo (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:27am

Hey, a BJ makes your day but anal makes your hole weak.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:30am

I think that the book could create confusion. It isn't just a question of the old "moron in a hurry", but also a question of it appearing that Texas tourism might approve of this book.

It could certainly lead to confusion about the State of Texas being involved with such a work.
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Re:
E. Zachary Knight (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:32am

Seriously?

How?

I just can't fathom the connection.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Trademark abandonment
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:37am

There are things like clothing, signs, luggage tags, beverage holders, garbage bags, "plastic squeeze flashlights,"

And Texas DOT has been actively selling �clothing, signs, luggage tags, beverage holders, garbage bags, �plastic squeeze flashlights�� during the past three years?

A mark shall be deemed to be �abandoned� if either of the following occurs:

(1) When its use has been discontinued with intent not to resume such use. Intent not to resume may be inferred from circumstances. Nonuse for 3 consecutive years shall be prima facie evidence of abandonment. �Use� of a mark means the bona fide use of such mark made in the ordinary course of trade, and not made merely to reserve a right in a mark.

Or Texas DOT has just tried �merely to reserve a right in a mark� for those �clothing, signs, luggage tags, beverage holders, garbage bags, �plastic squeeze flashlights��.
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The moral of this story is:
fb39ca4 (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:39am

"Don't mess with the Texas DOT"
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re: Don't they know...
Dark Helmet (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:39am

Mother of god, that is the funniest thing I've heard in weeks....
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re: Re: Don't they know...
:Lobo Santo (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:42am

Thanx. I can't take the credit though, a friend stumbled me something with that in it, & it just stuck in my head.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
moron in a hurry
Benny6Toes (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 9:45am

I'll do you one better and posit that no moron in a hurry even knows that the phrase has anything to do with an anti-litter campaign. Seriously. I've been called a moron on numerous occasions, and I always seem to be rushing, and I had no idea what the phrase was about until I looked it up a few years back after reaching the end of the interwebs.
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Re: Trademark abandonment
BeachBumCowboy, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:01am

"And Texas DOT has been actively selling �clothing, signs, luggage tags, beverage holders, garbage bags, �plastic squeeze flashlights�� during the past three years?"

Actually. Yes they do. They sell that stuff all the time as part of their anti-litter campaign with the "Don't Mess with Texas" logo on it.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
MrWilson, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:02am

That's still a "moron in a hurry" scenario.

If you asked a "moron in a hurry" if he thought the Texas DOT would publish or support the publishing of a bodice-ripper novel that has nothing to do with transportation, regardless of what the title of the novel was, he'd like say, "no."

You could call it, "The Texas Department of Transportation Officially Endorses this Romance Novel" and the "moron in a hurry" would probably have a good suspicion that the title was disingenuous.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:06am

Obviously sex is dirty so you could make a connection with littering.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
David (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:17am

Or maybe "Not everything is bigger in Texas" :)
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Ninja (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:17am

Reversal.. Texan?

Anyway, I thought of Texas as more sexually liberal with manly men but they don't like sexually suggestive books? LA should transfer its gay parade, Texas seems a better place for it ;)

Now seriously, how twisted can this IP (trademark/copyrights) become... Just add some fundamentalist moralism to it and what the fuck it's the cataclysm.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
I don't see why they needed a trademark
David (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:19am

In fact, why would any government agency apply for a trademark?

Plus it looks more like free advertising to me...
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Sex Doesn't Exist
mjb5406 (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:21am

Well, considering their governor, Rick Perry, is in denial about so many things that have been proven in nature, it wouldn't surprise me that the whole concept of "sex" is foreign to the state government there.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Don't Mess with Texas: The Story Behind the Legend [Hardcover]
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:40am

Hopefully this doesn't get filtered as spam. A Google search on the phrase turned up this other book from Amazon. I think this is relevant to the story here...

Amazon.Com: Don't Mess with Texas: The Story Behind the Legend [Hardcover]

Tim McClure (Author)
Roy Spence (Author)

List Price: $24.95
Price: $18.96 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save: $5.99 (24%)

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Only 2 left in stock--order soon (more on the way).

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In December 1985, a bumper sticker bearing the words 'Don't Mess With Texas' began appearing on pickup trucks across the Lone Star State. There was no explanation, no sponsor, just those four words and a small red, white, and blue Texas flag. Fast-forward 20 years to 2006. Today, the longest-running public service campaign in Texas is also the most successful anti-litter campaign in history. Until now, only a handful of people knew the true stories behind the legend: the stories of the famous commercials and the stories about dozens of the biggest and brightest Texas stars who donated their time and considerable talents to help Texas reduce litter on its highways by an astonishing 72 percent.

About the Author

Tim McClure is a brand architect, author, filmmaker, and
legend builder. He is one of the founders of GSD&M, one of America's most successful advertising agencies. He is also the creator of the legendary "Don't Mess With Texas" slogan and antilitter campaign.

Roy Spence is also a founder of GSD&M. He has been profiled in USA Today, recognized as an "Agency Innovator" by Advertising Age, and named "Adman of the Century" by Texas Monthly magazine.

Is Texas DOT behind this Don't Mess With Texas book?

�
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Not without protection
DOlz (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:41am

Whenever I've heard that phrase I've always added, unless you're wearing thick rubber gloves.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Ok let's f#$! with Texas instead.
candide08 (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:42am

Let's give Texas back to Mexico, they want to secede anyway.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:45am

"They're afraid that this will harm their ability to keep the streets clean of litter. I'm not quite sure how."

By keeping another romance novel from existence, thereby preventing someone from throwing that drivel out the window ...?
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:45am

Have they trademarked, "Fuck You, Texas!" yet?
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Don't Mess with Texas: The Story Behind the Legend [Hardcover]
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:48am

I would guess that this is the "official book", using the trademark with permission. The porn book isn't.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Trademark abandonment
Wilson, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 10:48am

They have road signs with the slogan all over the state, so I don't think abandonment would work.

The best way to show displeasure would be not to mess with Texas: don't visit there, don't buy anything produced there. Total boycott.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
I, for one, am grateful to the Texas Department of Trademark Abuse
sehlat (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 11:09am

Without their unstinting efforts to bring this novel to my attention, I might not have bought the Nook edition at Barnes and Noble.

All Hail The Master Of Our Literature!
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Gotta laugh.
sehlat (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 11:22am

The next book in the series is:

Blame It On Texas
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Complaint [PDF]
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 11:27am

TxDOT v Craig complaint

� Count I - Trademark Infringement
[15 U.S.C. � 1114]

� Count II - Blurring
[15 U.S.C. � 1125(c)]

� Count III - Dilution (Tarnishment)
[15 U.S.C. � 1125(c)]

� Count IV - Dilution (Texas State Law)
[Section 16.29 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code.]

� Count V - Unfair Competition
[15 U.S.C. � 1125]

� Count VI - Request for Temporary Restraining Order, and Temporary and Permanent Injunctive Relief
[15 U.S.C. �� 1116(a) and 1125(c)(1)]
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
Some Other Guy (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 11:58am

Freedom of Speech? I heard that judges get to ignore that in cases where money is involved... http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110826/15450015708/federal-court-invents-new-intellectual-propert y-right-money-makes-it-so-exclusive-right-to-record.shtml
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Aug 24 Update: Author can 'mess with Texas' all she wants
Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 12:25pm

�Judge: Author can 'mess with Texas' all she wants�, by Christopher Calnan, Staff writer, Austin Business Journal, Wed, Aug 24, 2011:

A federal judge in Austin has denied the Texas Department of Transportation�s request for a restraining order in a trademark infringement case regarding a romance novel entitled �Don�t Mess With Texas.�

Following a Monday hearing, U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks denied TxDOT�s request.

[...more...]

(Via Houston Press Hair Balls blog.)
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
illuminaut (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 12:42pm

like many other people, they're simply confusing owning the trademark to a slogan with owning the slogan.
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Isn't it obvious?
Lord Binky, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 12:44pm

This book promotes littering with it's characters and their hastily discarded garments. This is directly against the whole Don't Mess With Texas anti-litter campaign, sheesh it's right there....
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TxDOT
Greg G (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 12:47pm

I live in Texas. In New Braunfels (near San Antonio.) I can attest that TxDOT is full of idiots.

All you have to do is drive on the roads here and you wonder who the hell designed this crap.

Seems like their lawyers are equally stupid.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Messin' with Texas
BongoBern (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 1:11pm

There's an excess of Texas which is what most of us don't like about it.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Messin' with Texas
Lord Binky, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 1:13pm

I always thought there was an excess of Rhode Island.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
Sean T Henry (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 1:38pm

There are only two things that come from texas steers and overly aggressive intellectual property rights.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
It IS related to littering
DinDaddy (profile), Aug 29th, 2011 @ 3:27pm

They are plainly concerned that Texas residents will purchase the book because of the title, be disgusted with the sex contained therein, and fling the book out their car windows, causing extra litter.

Can't believe you missed that connection.
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Trademarks
H enry Richard Mears, Aug 29th, 2011 @ 7:43pm

First off, Lets think about this, if Texas didn't have a Lawsuite we wouldn't have heard about it. Is this lady from Texas, I am, "Ole Elpaso", oops just "Elpaso", sorry!! That, I'm afraid, is trademark infringment, and I could get sued if I used it in the title of something I wrote! and I love Ole Elpaso's Taco fixings! but I di-gress, Although, they are right about one thing, trademark laws were designed to prevent confusion, for who registered the slogans first. And every Texan owns the "Slogan" Don't Mess with Texas. Seriosly, I've lived in upstate New York most of my life,But I'm still a Texan! I had no Idea that thats what the slogan ment, So here in New York, when they find out I'm from Elpaso Texas, I say Don't Mess with Me! or I'll get the rope! LOL. Hmmmm I wonder if Ole Elpaso trademarked "New York City, Get the Rope"! No that would be "Owning the Slogan" I think. I also think that if the TxDOT was behind the "Documentary book" it would be trademarked,don't Yall!!Reading through, You've got the right Idea, But I'll Boycott the book, There is enough smutt, and i love smutt, on the internet, and isn't it time to stop killing trees for no good reason! Cause this book isn't a gooden!Oh I'm sure the author has a great imagination, and just seeing the cover i think It should be called "Come, Mess With Texas"! No puns intended, or is it!
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Re:
mike allen (profile), Aug 30th, 2011 @ 12:44am

now thats a great idea for a bumper sticker.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
mike allen (profile), Aug 30th, 2011 @ 12:44am

now thats a great idea for a bumper sticker.
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
PaulT (profile), Aug 30th, 2011 @ 9:42am

To be fair, we are talking regular morons here, not Techdirt AC troll super morons. It's quite possible that one group would be confused and the more intelligent group being examined would not...
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Re: Re: Trademark abandonment
nasch (profile), Aug 30th, 2011 @ 7:43pm

The best way to show displeasure would be not to mess with Texas: don't visit there, don't buy anything produced there. Total boycott.

Also don't vote for anybody from there.
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Re: Re: Re: Trademark abandonment
Wood, Nov 3rd, 2011 @ 6:05am

That's hilarious... boycott everything from Texas. Have fun pedaling yourself to work - for starters. All the hate for Texas... if I were you, I'd research a little bit more before jumping on the bandwagon. Thanks for the laugh, I needed that!
[ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

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Don't Mess With Texas... Or, Well, Don't Use That Slogan As A Book Title Or Texas Will Sue

from the moron-in-a-hurry dept

Reader Comments (rss)

Don't they know...

Re: Don't they know...

Re:

Trademark abandonment

The moral of this story is:

Re: Re: Don't they know...

Re: Re: Re: Don't they know...

moron in a hurry

Re: Trademark abandonment

Re:

Re:

I don't see why they needed a trademark

Sex Doesn't Exist

Don't Mess with Texas: The Story Behind the Legend [Hardcover]

Not without protection

Ok let's f#$! with Texas instead.

Re: Don't Mess with Texas: The Story Behind the Legend [Hardcover]

Re: Trademark abandonment

I, for one, am grateful to the Texas Department of Trademark Abuse

Gotta laugh.

Complaint [PDF]

Re:

Aug 24 Update: Author can 'mess with Texas' all she wants

Isn't it obvious?

TxDOT

Messin' with Texas

Re: Messin' with Texas

Re:

It IS related to littering

Trademarks

Re:

Re:

Re:

Re: Re: Trademark abandonment

Re: Re: Re: Trademark abandonment

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