Licensing - Don't Mess With Texas

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS^® LICENSE PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The Don’t Mess with Texas slogan is a trademark held by the Texas Department of Transportation. The use or sale of unlicensed items bearing the phrase Don’t mess with Texas is a violation of U.S. Trademark Registration No. 3872108 DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS (6202-03800). The addition of any words of phrases instead of or in addition to the word “Texas” in the trademarked slogan is also a violation of federal trademark law, for example: “Don’t mess with Texas Women” or “Don’t mess with Lorem.”

If you would like to obtain a license for the legal use of the Don’t mess with Texas (DMWT) registered mark, please review the following information before submitting a request. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) receives many requests for permission to use the Don’t mess with Texas mark. Any and all uses of the mark must be approved by TxDOT.

To see a full list of our approved licensees, click here.

WHO APPROVES REQUESTS TO LICENSE THE DMWT MARK?

TxDOT staff members who coordinate the Don’t mess with Texas program process and administer all requests for approving or denying such requests. TxDOT has the legal right and obligation to protect the mark and ensure its proper use, and in doing so has the sole discretion to approve or deny any license request.

WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING A PROPOSAL?

Proposed products should be in good taste and include some clear connection to the litter prevention message, either through communication provided to the consumer or the purpose of the product itself. Example photos, sketches, and product samples will be required.
The proposed product should not contribute to the litter problem through excess or unnecessary packaging.
The proposed product should not conflict with other messages promoted by TxDOT, including safe driving. For example, product proposals related to alcoholic beverages are not likely to be approved.
The proposed use of the mark will adhere to all Don’t mess with Texas brand parameters as provided by TxDOT. All products bearing the Don’t mess with Texas mark must be licensed and approved by TxDOT.

WHAT COSTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING A LICENSE?

If TxDOT chooses to enter into a license agreement, costs, including license fees and royalties will be determined upon execution of a license agreement.
A proposed requestor must fill out and submit the License Request on the bottom of this page. If a requester cannot submit electronically, the requester can print the Usage Request form and mail to:

Texas Department of Transportation
TRV Attn: DMWT Licensing
6230 E. Stassney Ln
Austin, TX 78744
Phone: 512-486-5900

email: [email protected]

Date
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Name of requestor, organization or business entity:
First Last
Contact person’s name:
First Last
Mailing address:
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Phone number:
Fax number:
E-mail:
Web site address (if applicable):
Proposed use and purpose of Don’t mess with Texas registered mark:

(print, engraving, embroidering, screen print, etc.)
Product description(s):
Type of packaging for product:
Proposed plan of distribution and marketing, if applicable:
Requested term of the license:
- 1 year
- 2 year
- 3 year
- Other
How long?
NOTE: The department may waive or reduce the amount of fees, royalties, or other monetary or nonmonetary value to be assessed if it is determined by TxDOT that the waiver will further the goals and missions of the department and result in a net benefit to the state.
Additional information:
NOTICE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING

This is a request to enter into a license agreement with TxDOT for the use of the Don’t mess with Texas registered mark. If TxDOT denies the request, a written statement describing the reason for denial will be provided to the requestor. A requestor may appeal a denial of a license request to the executive director or designee by submitting a written request for appeal. The decision of the executive director or his or her designee will be final. Please submit all appeals to:

Don’t mess with Texas
Travel Information Division
Texas Department of Transportation
TRV Attn: DMWT Licensing
6230 E. Stassney Ln
Austin, Texas 78744
Phone: 512-486-5900

If the department approves a license request, the requestor will be contacted by the department and the requestor must execute a written license agreement with TxDOT prior to any use of the Don’t mess with Texas mark. Approval of this request is preliminary and is not an approval of a license or any terms of the submitted request. All license agreements will contain terms and conditions the department deems necessary to protect the department, including, but not limited to: (1) license term and geographical area; (2) rights granted, including patent-rights; (3) description of products utilizing the trademark; (4) fees or royalties; (5) inspection of licensee's books and records; (6) policing of trademark or copyright infringement; (7) prohibited uses; (8) indemnification of the department; and (9) a non-exclusivity clause.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Requests for the licensure of department intellectual property that is determined to be public information under Texas Government Code, Chapter 552 will be processed in accordance with all applicable laws.
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DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS® LICENSE PROPOSAL INFORMATION

WHO APPROVES REQUESTS TO LICENSE THE DMWT MARK?

WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING A PROPOSAL?

WHAT COSTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING A LICENSE?

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DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS^® LICENSE PROPOSAL INFORMATION