Don't mess with Texas' "Don't mess with Texas"?

[Aught Six]

Don't Mess With Our Slogan, Texas Warns

I didn't know that this slogan began as an anti-litter campaign. I've heard Texans utter it in relation to just about every issue but littering, in fact. It took off on its own, but now the TTD wants it for itself.

Is the state correct to curb its unofficial usage, or should they allow it to remain the cultural message it's become?

[Charley]

They can certainly try, but I don't think they are going to be very successful. Texas has its share of dumbass state workers, just like anywhere else. The state has pretty much left the slogan alone for twenty years, and did not try to prevent its use by others. Kinda late now, the slogan has a common usage.

[JagMagMan]

'06,
Yes, "Don't mess with Texas" did start out as a Texas anti-litter campaign! It has since, been used for anything and everything, so it's a little late for copyrighting now!

[Aught Six]

Hm, I wonder how long it would take to become public domain in this case.