Disney Sued by Law Firm Over 'Steamboat Willie' Ad Use
A high-profile lawsuit has been filed against The Walt Disney Company by one of America's largest personal injury firms, Morgan & Morgan, seeking to use images from the classic animated film "Steamboat Willie" in advertisements. According to court documents, the law firm is trying to obtain a ruling that would allow it to use the 1928 cartoon in its TV and online ads without facing trademark infringement claims.
The lawsuit was filed after Disney's lawyers responded to Morgan & Morgan's initial inquiry by stating they wouldn't provide legal advice to third parties. In a letter obtained by local news, Disney's attorneys wrote: "Without waiver of any of its rights, Disney will not provide such advice in response to your letter." The letter concluded with the phrase "Very truly yours..."
Morgan & Morgan's attorney, John Morgan, told a local newscast that his firm is seeking a court decision because it fears being sued by Disney for trademark infringement if it uses images from "Steamboat Willie" without permission. "Disney's legal team is playing cute, and so we're just trying to get a ruling," Morgan said.
The lawsuit comes after the public domain status of "Steamboat Willie" was established in 2024, when the film's copyright expired. The law firm argues that it has the right to use the cartoon in its advertisements without infringing on Disney's trademarks.
Disney has not commented publicly on the lawsuit, but experts say the case highlights the complexities of trademark law and the challenges faced by companies navigating the public domain.
"This is a classic example of how trademark law can be used to stifle creativity and innovation," said intellectual property attorney Mark Lemley. "If Morgan & Morgan prevails in this case, it could set a precedent for other companies to use public domain works without fear of trademark infringement claims."
The lawsuit is currently pending in federal court, with no trial date set. A spokesperson for Morgan & Morgan declined to comment further on the case.
As the case unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how the courts balance the competing interests of trademark protection and public domain rights.
*Reporting by Yro.*
