NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Bill Haslam revealed the redesign of the state’s website, complete with the embattled new square state logo.
WKRN News 2 reports that “the new square logo featuring the white letters TN on a red field above a blue bar has drawn criticism for its $46,000 price tag and for being simplistic.”
Gov. Haslam commented on the new logo, noting that a new one was created because Tennessee is not able to trademark its flag or seal.
“TN.gov is an important resource for Tennesseans and, for a lot of people, the main way they interact with state government. We are always working to serve Tennessee taxpayers more efficiently and effectively by making that experience as customer-focused as possible,” Haslam said.
The state’s application to register the new logo has been rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office because it is “primary geographically descriptive,” though the state has six months to appeal. Haslam spokesman David Smith said the administration is considering the decision.
The redesigned state website content was formed based on customer and employee feedback. The site now has features such as help buttons meant for easy navigation. The website was last updated a year ago. It and its related services are designed, developed and hosted in Tennessee.
WKRN News 2 contributed to this report.