Morgan & Morgan Is Suing Disney Over ‘Steamboat Willie’ Commercial
In what can only be described as a Mickey Mouse lawsuit, the Morgan & Morgan law firm is preemptively suing Disney in federal court to get permission to use Steamboat Willie in one of their advertisements.
According to a report from the Orlando Sentinel, the lawsuit was filed after Disney’s lawyer declined to inform Morgan and Morgan if they would object to the commercial.
Photo: For the People
The law firm had sent a link to the ad to Disney’s legal team in July, asking if the commercial violated any of the company’s intellectual property rights.
Walt Disney Company
Disney simply responded that it does not “provide legal advice to third parties.”
The Commercial
The 37-second commercial in question shows Minnie Mouse calling Morgan & Morgan after Steamboat Willie crashes his boat into her car.
Photo: Morgan & Morgan
After the firm gets involved, Minnie receives her big payday.
Throughout the ad, the law firm makes it clear that Disney does not endorse the content.
The Lawsuit
By filing suit against Disney, Morgan & Morgan is seeking a ruling that the commercial does not infringe on Disney’s trademarks. The firm is also asking the court to prevent Disney from bringing similar claims against them in the future.
Photo: cba.cj
“Disney’s refusal to disclaim enforcement, its history of aggressive litigation over substantially similar uses, and its recent lawsuit against a third party, create a reasonable apprehension that Disney will sue Morgan & Morgan if it proceeds with the planned use of the advertisement,” the complaint states.
Photo: Disney
At this time, Disney has not responded to the lawsuit.
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