This morning National (that’s NATIONAL) Public Radio was poking fun at Wisconsin’s new theme: “Live Like You Mean It.” It was pointed out that this slogan is already in use by several companies and organizations. A quick search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reveals five “live” usages of this trademarked phrase.
Ironically, the state’s brand, created last year, is “Originality Rules.” Some may call Wisconsin’s move unoriginal. We call it responsible recycling. Our favorite alternate slogan put forth by NPR: “Wisconsin: The ‘Snow Me’ State.”
For a fascinating look at advertising in the past (1911-1955,) check out Duke University’s digital database Ad*Access.