The State of Montana formally joins ‘Last Best Place’ fray – "He’s not going to get a trademark that will give him exclusive rights to this name," Gov. Schweitzer said.

The Montana Department of Commerce on Thursday filed its formal opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office against Las Vegas businessman David E. Lipson’s application to trademark the phrase "The Last Best Place."

"We’re doing this to preserve our legal options," said Eric Stern, senior counselor to Gov. Brian Schweitzer. "Mr. Lipson has shown a willingness to cooperate, so we hope he will. Ultimately, we will do everything we have to to protect this thing."

"He’s not going to get a trademark that will give him exclusive rights to this name," Schweitzer said.

Lipson, who owns the Resort at Paws Up, has applied for eight trademarks that could effectively grant him exclusive use to about 100 commercial uses of a phrase that has come into wide use throughout the state and has captured the hearts of many Montanans.

By ROBERT STRUCKMAN of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2005/07/29/news/top/news01.txt

Further Info: http://www.matr.net/article-15423.html