Disney Sued by Morgan & Morgan Over ‘Steamboat Willie‘ Copyright
ORLANDO, Fla. – disney is facing a lawsuit from personal injury law firm Morgan & Morgan, centering on the copyright status of the 1928 animated short film “Steamboat Willie,” the debut of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The firm filed the suit Wednesday in federal court in central Florida seeking a declaratory judgment that would allow them to use images from the film in their advertising campaigns.
The legal action stems from Morgan & Morgan’s intention to launch a commercial featuring “Steamboat Willie” imagery, with a voiceover explicitly stating Disney’s non-approval. The firm,known for its “For the people” tagline,proactively sought legal assurance from Disney before airing the ad,but received a response stating the company does not offer legal advice to third parties. With the U.S. copyright for the original “Steamboat Willie” expiring in 2024, Morgan & Morgan fears potential trademark infringement claims from Disney should they proceed without a court ruling. This case highlights the evolving landscape of copyright law and the potential for conflict as iconic works enter the public domain.
according to the lawsuit, Morgan & Morgan’s proposed advertisement depicts Mickey Mouse captaining a boat that crashes into a car driven by Minnie Mouse, who then seeks legal assistance by contacting the law firm via her phone. The firm argues that as the copyright has lapsed,they are within their rights to utilize the imagery.
Disney has not yet responded to requests for comment. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how companies can utilize public domain characters and content, especially those with strong existing trademarks.
