Overview
- The firm moved to dismiss its federal declaratory‑judgment case last week, less than two months after filing in September 2025.
- The suit had sought a court ruling that a planned advertisement using the 1928 Steamboat Willie design would not violate Disney trademarks or the Lanham Act.
- The proposed 37‑second black‑and‑white spot depicts a Steamboat Willie‑style Mickey crashing into a car driven by a Minnie‑like character and includes disclaimers that Disney did not authorize the ad.
- Disney, through spokesperson Katie Rosborough, stated it remains committed to guarding against unlawful copyright and trademark infringement to prevent consumer confusion.
- The case was dismissed without prejudice, allowing Morgan & Morgan to refile later and leaving Disney’s enforcement options intact even as the 1928 cartoon remains in the public domain.