Macon Mayor Challenged Trademark Use on Apparel
Mayor Lester Miller objected to a local retail shop selling T-shirts that featured his trademarked slogan.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Macon Mayor Lester Miller has voiced his disapproval after a local shop owner sold apparel bearing his trademarked phrase, Thanks Lester. The shirts depicted the mayor wearing a crown, leading him to cite trademark protections established in 2012.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the intersection of personal branding and intellectual property, as the mayor emphasized his lack of authorization for the commercial use of his protected slogan. It also touches on how public officials manage their image when used by private businesses in the community.
The shop owner, Terrence Gordon, reported that only 2 of the shirts were sold at his Poplar Street storefront. The trademark for the phrase was secured in 2012 for a cost of $325.
The players
Lester Miller
He is the serving Mayor of Macon who holds a trademark on the phrase used on the apparel.
Terrence Gordon
He is a local business owner who operates the retail shop Incisura on Poplar Street.
Incisura
This is a retail establishment located on Poplar Street in Macon that sold the disputed merchandise.
The details
Terrence Gordon, owner of the shop Incisura, designed the shirts but plans to update the slogan to read No thanks Lester following the mayor's objection. Mayor Miller communicated his concerns regarding the unauthorized use of his trademark and the depiction of himself wearing a crown via a text message.
Timeline
The phrase Thanks Lester was first trademarked by the mayor in 2012.
Terrence Gordon conceived the shirt design in June 2026.
This report was published on September 27, 2026.
Market Landscape
The dispute follows standard enforcement protocols set by the Lanham Act regarding trademark infringement. It underscores the challenges public figures face in controlling their personal brand in a retail environment where private businesses seek to capitalize on local political imagery.
Shoppers in the area should note that merchandise featuring the mayor's trademarked slogan will likely be unavailable or rebranded in the near future. This change follows the owner's plan to pivot away from the protected design to avoid further conflict with the city's leadership.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder that local political figures often treat their public slogans as intellectual property to prevent unauthorized commercialization. Business owners should verify trademark status before printing merchandise that incorporates a public official's name or catchphrase.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by The Telegraph.
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Should local officials use trademark laws to stop businesses from selling shirts that parody them?
