Summary
Disney secured a legal advantage when the law firm Morgan & Morgan withdrew its lawsuit about the use of early Mickey Mouse imagery from "Steamboat Willie" in ads. This withdrawal allows Disney to still use trademark laws to challenge uses of this early Mickey Mouse image even though the original work is now public domain.
Key Facts
- Disney achieved a legal win when Morgan & Morgan dropped their lawsuit about early Mickey Mouse imagery.
- The original cartoon, "Steamboat Willie," entered the public domain in 2024.
- Morgan & Morgan wanted to use the cartoon's imagery in a commercial and sought a court ruling to avoid trademark issues.
- Disney did not provide clarity on whether they would take legal action, leading the law firm to file a lawsuit for a ruling.
- The case was dismissed without explanation, leaving open the possibility for it to be filed again.
- Disney said that they remain focused on protecting Mickey Mouse as a trademark, which helps prevent unauthorized uses.
- Trademark protections do not expire if they remain in commercial use, giving Disney ongoing legal options.
