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Morgan & Morgan Sues Disney to Clear Use of Steamboat Willie–Style Ad

The filing asks a Florida federal judge to rule that a parody commercial using the 1928 depiction does not violate Disney’s trademarks.

Mickey Mouse
FILE - Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse, poses at the Pancoast Hotel in Miami, Fla., on Aug. 13, 1941. (AP Photo, File)
Morgan & Morgan Sues Disney Over 'Steamboat Willie' Trademark Claims
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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.