In Montana, a Popular Expression Is Taken Off the Endangered List . "The Last Best Place"

August 18, 2008

“The Last Best Place,” a phrase long used and cherished by Montanans to describe their sprawling, scenic state, will soon be protected forever, a United States senator says, and anyone will be able to use it without fear of running afoul of trademark law.

Senate and House committees have approved language in a Department of Commerce appropriations bill that forbids the department from registering or enforcing a trademark of the phrase.

The language came after a businessman from Las Vegas with a luxury guest ranch in Montana sought exclusive right to the phrase for a wide range of businesses and products.

By JIM ROBBINS

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/us/18trademark.html?_r=1&em&oref=slogin