Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

Morgan & Morgan Sues Disney to Clear Use of Public‑Domain ‘Steamboat Willie’ Mickey in Ad

The case asks a Florida court to declare that the firm’s 37‑second Steamboat Willie–style spot with a disclaimer does not infringe Disney’s trademarks.

Image: Public Domain
Image
Image

Overview

  • Morgan & Morgan filed a declaratory‑judgment suit in Florida seeking a ruling that its planned Steamboat Willie–themed commercial does not violate Disney’s rights.
  • Disney declined to say whether it would take action over the ad, which depicts the 1928 versions of Mickey and Minnie and states it is not endorsed by or associated with Disney.
  • Disney argues that the lapse of Steamboat Willie’s copyright does not permit uses that infringe its trademarks or later copyrights tied to evolved versions of the characters.
  • The filing follows Disney’s July lawsuit against jewelry seller Satéur for allegedly passing off Steamboat Willie merchandise as official, citing consumer complaints to the Better Business Bureau.
  • The dispute tests how trademark law can limit commercial exploitation of a work that entered the public domain in 2024, even as parody projects like the horror send‑up Screamboat have proceeded without challenge.