Suzie Saxman Quoted in IP Law & Business

The "Opening Statements" column in the October issue of IP Law & Business focuses on a trademark issue involving Suzie's client, businessman David Lipson. Submissions to the Patent and Trademark Office for Lipson to trademark the popular phrase "The Last Best Place" to market travel and lodging ventures is facing opposition from the state. Suzie notes that the state (which uses the phrase to promote tourism) should not be worried. "The state of Montana is our friend. Anything the state wants to do [in terms of using the slogan] is absolutely fine. The more people who come to Montana, the merrier." Recognizing that the phrase is popular among other Montana businesses, Suzie notes that even if the client's applications are granted, trademark law guarantees that local businesses already using the phrase can continue. In states like New York and Missouri, noted Suzie, private businesses have successfully trademarked "The Big Apple" and the "Show Me State" for limited commercial use.