Morgan & Morgan, the law firm known for its “For the people” tagline, is suing Disney over the potential use of Steamboat Willie in its advertisements, according to the Associated Press.
Steamboat Willie
The suit was filed in federal court on September 17th, claiming that the character is not copyrighted because the U.S. copyright expired in 2024.
Morgan & Morgan claims it reached out to Disney to make sure they wouldn’t be sued for using Steamboat Willie in its ads, and Disney’s lawyers said they didn’t offer legal advice to third parties.
©Disney
The law firm said it was filing the lawsuit to get an official decision. Otherwise, it fears being sued by Disney for trademark infringement. Disney has not yet responded to a request for comment, the Associated Press reports.
Fantasmic! with Steamboat Willie
The black-and-white animated ad that Morgan & Morgan wants to air depicts Mickey captaining a boat on land that crashes into a car driven by Minnie. She then pulls out her phone and calls the law firm. In the beginning and ending of the commercial, there is a voiceover advising that Disney did not approve or authorize the statement.
Steamboat Willie keychain
The version of Mickey Mouse known as Steamboat Willie became part of the public domain on January 1st, 2024. Essentially, this means that it no longer falls under copyright law. Anyone can use Steamboat Willie however they want as of now, though Disney likely still isn’t too keen on that happening.
©Disney
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this developing situation. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news.
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Morgan and Morgan is pathetic. Firms like that are who give attorneys a bad reputation. Come up with a different idea. You don’t need to use Mickey and Minnie to make your point.
Why do it? Why even do it? What do Mickey and Minnie have to do with a law firm? (and Minnie would never sue Mickey, they are together – duh)
Is it legal to do this? Probably. Is it sensitive and thoughtful? Probably not.