Overview
- The Orlando-based firm filed a declaratory-judgment suit on Sept. 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
- Morgan & Morgan seeks a ruling that its 37‑second black‑and‑white spot does not infringe Disney’s trademarks and an order barring Disney from suing over the ad.
- The proposed commercial features a Steamboat Willie‑era Mickey crashing a boat into Minnie’s car and includes on‑screen and spoken disclaimers that Disney did not authorize the ad.
- Before suing, the firm sent Disney the ad and asked if it would object; Disney’s counsel replied that the company does not provide legal advice to third parties.
- The complaint cites Steamboat Willie’s Jan. 1, 2024 public‑domain status and Disney’s recent IP enforcement, including a July lawsuit over Mickey‑related jewelry; Disney has not commented on the new case.