<P> Glaser expected the campaign to last only a couple months and did the work pro bono . The innovative pop - style icon became a major success and has continued to be sold for years . In the popular mind (though this was not the original intention) the logo has become closely associated with New York City, and the placement of the logo on plain white T - shirts readily sold in the city has widely circulated the appearance of the image, making it a commonly recognized symbol . Glaser's original concept sketch and presentation boards were donated by Doyle to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York . </P> <P> The image became especially prominent following the September 11 attacks on the city, which created a sense of unity among the populace . Many visitors to the city following the attacks purchased and wore the shirts bearing the I Love New York logo as a sign of their support . Glaser created a modified version to commemorate the attacks, reading "I Love NY More Than Ever", with a little black spot on the heart symbolizing the World Trade Center site . The black spot approximates the site's location on lower Manhattan Island . The poster was printed in the New York Daily News and was a fundraiser for New York charities supporting those affected by the attacks . Added text at the bottom encouraged people to "Be generous . Your city needs you . This poster is not for sale ." </P> <P> "I Love New York" was written and composed by Steve Karmen in 1977 as part of the advertising campaign . In 1980, Governor Hugh Carey declared it as New York's state anthem . In a move that was remarkable for Karmen, who is well known for retaining the publishing rights to his songs, he gave the rights to the song to the state for free . </P> <P> The logo has become a pop - culture icon, inspiring imitations in every corner of the globe . Merchandise proclaiming "I ❤ ..." can be found wherever tourists gather . New York has tried to uphold its trademark by filing nearly 3,000 objections against imitators (to 2005). </P>

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