N E W S
| July 8, 2008 |
| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, secured language in the House Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill which would prohibit the trademark of the term ‘The Last Best Place’. Rehberg's provision was approved by the House Appropriations Committee. Senator Baucus included identical language in the Senate funding bill in mid-June. “For years Max and I have successfully fought in the House and the Senate to ensure the exclusive rights to this uniquely Montana slogan won't be given to just one person,” said Rehberg, the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation on the Appropriations Committee. “And this year is no different.” In 2002, a Las Vegas businessman attempted to trademark ‘The Last Best Place’ for use at his Resort at Paws Up located in the Blackfoot Valley. In response, Rehberg and Senator Baucus have annually inserted language in Congressional funding measures to “prohibit funds from being used to register, issue, transfer, or enforce any trademark” of the phrase. “Including this language in a bill which has been passed by committees on both sides of the Capitol almost ensures it will get final approval,” said Rehberg. “I’m glad to see we found a bipartisan, bicameral solution to continuing to protect a treasured Montana nickname.” |
