Legal Battle: Morgan & Morgan vs. Disney Over 'Steamboat Willie' Ad Use
A prominent personal injury law firm in the United States has filed a lawsuit against Disney in central Florida to seek permission to use the iconic "Steamboat Willie" in their advertisements. The law firm, Morgan & Morgan, known for its slogan "For the people," claims that the copyright for the 1928 animated short film has expired and they want to use images from the film in their TV and online ads. Disney's lawyers reportedly declined to offer legal advice on the matter, prompting the law firm to seek a court ruling to avoid potential trademark infringement issues.
The lawsuit aims to clarify the legal standing of using "Steamboat Willie" in advertisements without facing legal repercussions from Disney. Morgan & Morgan expressed concerns about being sued by Disney for trademark infringement if they proceeded with using images from the animated film in their commercials. In response to the lawsuit, Disney has not provided any immediate comment on the matter.
The proposed advertisement by Morgan & Morgan features a black-and-white animated scene where Mickey Mouse is seen piloting a boat on land, colliding with a car driven by Minnie Mouse. The commercial includes a disclaimer stating that Disney did not authorize or approve the advertisement. The law firm hopes to obtain a decision from the court to ensure they can use "Steamboat Willie" without facing legal action from Disney.
In conclusion, Morgan & Morgan's lawsuit against Disney seeks clarity on the use of "Steamboat Willie" in their advertisements, citing the expiration of the film's copyright as the basis for their request. The law firm aims to avoid potential trademark infringement issues and is seeking a ruling from the court to proceed with their planned commercial featuring iconic characters from the animated short film.