×
Disney Is Getting Sued Over Just How Much Mickey Mouse Counts as Public Domain

Disney Is Getting Sued Over Just How Much Mickey Mouse Counts as Public Domain

Tech-news , , , ,

Last year, Mickey Mouse’s appearance in Steamboat Willie became public domain, ushering in tons of horror parodies of Disney’s iconic mascot. The Walt Disney Company gave films such as the David Howard Thornton-starring Screamboat a pass, but apparently, it thinks there’s a limit on just how much other companies can get away with using Mickey’s iconic nautical depiction.

Disney has found itself in lawsuits after enforcing its intellectual property rights to its characters in Steamboat Willie against two companies seeking to utilize Mickey for marketing and retail purposes. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Morgan & Morgan, a U.S.-based personal injury law firm, attempted to use Steamboat Willie in a commercial, which Disney met with resistance. THR further reports that a jewelry company, Satéur, attempted to pass off merch with Steamboat Willie as official—which is where the legality gets all murky in Disney’s eyes.

Disney stands firm that despite the short being public domain, that doesn’t mean competitors can infringe on trademarks that protect its brands, which it maintains include various representations of Mickey Mouse, as the character has been iterated on for almost a century since Steamboat Willie‘s release. The lawsuit states that Disney has a history of “aggressive enforcement of intellectual property rights,” exemplified in the company’s “refusal to disclaim an intent to engage in enforcement against” Morgan & Morgan and Satéur.

Kelly Klaus, a lawyer for the complaint, was quoted in the complaint as clarifying that these companies, Satéur in particular, “infringe Disney’s continuing rights over its trademarks that identify Disney as the source of goods and services and to profit off the goodwill that Disney has built with the public over decades,” and “As Disney has stated publicly, while copyright expired on the Steamboat Willie motion picture, Mickey Mouse will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for Disney.”

Morgan & Morgan used the Steamboat versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in an advert that sees Mickey crash a steamboat into Minnie’s car, prompting her to call the injury firm, and at the very least discloses that the video is not associated or endorsed by Disney. Its use along with horror movies using the character in parody is one thing, but it’s another when companies attempt to pass off the character as endorsing their goods and services. Satéur, on the other hand, seems to fall into the latter category, as the THR story reports that multiple complaints by consumers have been filed to the Better Business Bureau for the shoddy accessories they were misled into buying, thinking they were official Disney products.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Source link
#Disney #Sued #Mickey #Mouse #Counts #Public #Domain

Tag

Related Posts


The Naruto anime turns 25 next year, and to mark the occasion, it’s getting a new trading card game.

Developed by Bandai Card Games, the TCG will be a strategy-focused experience for the competitive-minded folk. Along with the big anniversary milestone, this’ll be the franchise’s first dip into the trading card waters since the early 2010s. Since then, Bandai’s been gradually putting out similar games for popular shonen like Digimon, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. As a member of the Big Three and important to shonen culture, it makes sense Naruto gets a fresh game.

In a brief statement, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto expressed joy at his franchise “growing larger once again. I truly hope these cards find their way to both their hands and your hearts.” Kishimoto also drew artwork for the TCG featuring the teen versions of Boruto’s dad and his longtime best bud Sasuke Uchiha, and they’re the stars of the trailer below.

Bandai’s keeping mum for now on how Naruto Card Game plays or even what characters will be in it. Details will be revealed at Gen Con Indy, where attendees will also get to play it for themselves. The annual tabletop game convention runs from July 30-August 2 this year, and playtests will run during the whole event. Each one-hour session is free, and you can get tickets here. If you can’t make it, then you’ll surely see more of it before the TCG hits stores in 2027. It’s probably not the only thing being cooked up to honor the anime—after all, Pierrot never did release those four brand-new episodes to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Naruto #Anime #Trading #Card #Game #CrazeBandai,Naruto,Trading Cards">Believe It: ‘Naruto’ Gets In On the Anime Trading Card Game Craze The Naruto anime turns 25 next year, and to mark the occasion, it’s getting a new trading card game. Developed by Bandai Card Games, the TCG will be a strategy-focused experience for the competitive-minded folk. Along with the big anniversary milestone, this’ll be the franchise’s first dip into the trading card waters since the early 2010s. Since then, Bandai’s been gradually putting out similar games for popular shonen like Digimon, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. As a member of the Big Three and important to shonen culture, it makes sense Naruto gets a fresh game. In a brief statement, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto expressed joy at his franchise “growing larger once again. I truly hope these cards find their way to both their hands and your hearts.” Kishimoto also drew artwork for the TCG featuring the teen versions of Boruto’s dad and his longtime best bud Sasuke Uchiha, and they’re the stars of the trailer below. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MefaL2fKvzk[/embed] Bandai’s keeping mum for now on how Naruto Card Game plays or even what characters will be in it. Details will be revealed at Gen Con Indy, where attendees will also get to play it for themselves. The annual tabletop game convention runs from July 30-August 2 this year, and playtests will run during the whole event. Each one-hour session is free, and you can get tickets here. If you can’t make it, then you’ll surely see more of it before the TCG hits stores in 2027. It’s probably not the only thing being cooked up to honor the anime—after all, Pierrot never did release those four brand-new episodes to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Naruto #Anime #Trading #Card #Game #CrazeBandai,Naruto,Trading Cards

Naruto anime turns 25 next year, and to mark the occasion, it’s getting a new trading card game.

Developed by Bandai Card Games, the TCG will be a strategy-focused experience for the competitive-minded folk. Along with the big anniversary milestone, this’ll be the franchise’s first dip into the trading card waters since the early 2010s. Since then, Bandai’s been gradually putting out similar games for popular shonen like Digimon, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. As a member of the Big Three and important to shonen culture, it makes sense Naruto gets a fresh game.

In a brief statement, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto expressed joy at his franchise “growing larger once again. I truly hope these cards find their way to both their hands and your hearts.” Kishimoto also drew artwork for the TCG featuring the teen versions of Boruto’s dad and his longtime best bud Sasuke Uchiha, and they’re the stars of the trailer below.

Bandai’s keeping mum for now on how Naruto Card Game plays or even what characters will be in it. Details will be revealed at Gen Con Indy, where attendees will also get to play it for themselves. The annual tabletop game convention runs from July 30-August 2 this year, and playtests will run during the whole event. Each one-hour session is free, and you can get tickets here. If you can’t make it, then you’ll surely see more of it before the TCG hits stores in 2027. It’s probably not the only thing being cooked up to honor the anime—after all, Pierrot never did release those four brand-new episodes to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Naruto #Anime #Trading #Card #Game #CrazeBandai,Naruto,Trading Cards">Believe It: ‘Naruto’ Gets In On the Anime Trading Card Game CrazeBelieve It: ‘Naruto’ Gets In On the Anime Trading Card Game Craze The Naruto anime turns 25 next year, and to mark the occasion, it’s getting a new trading card game. Developed by Bandai Card Games, the TCG will be a strategy-focused experience for the competitive-minded folk. Along with the big anniversary milestone, this’ll be the franchise’s first dip into the trading card waters since the early 2010s. Since then, Bandai’s been gradually putting out similar games for popular shonen like Digimon, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. As a member of the Big Three and important to shonen culture, it makes sense Naruto gets a fresh game. In a brief statement, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto expressed joy at his franchise “growing larger once again. I truly hope these cards find their way to both their hands and your hearts.” Kishimoto also drew artwork for the TCG featuring the teen versions of Boruto’s dad and his longtime best bud Sasuke Uchiha, and they’re the stars of the trailer below. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MefaL2fKvzk[/embed] Bandai’s keeping mum for now on how Naruto Card Game plays or even what characters will be in it. Details will be revealed at Gen Con Indy, where attendees will also get to play it for themselves. The annual tabletop game convention runs from July 30-August 2 this year, and playtests will run during the whole event. Each one-hour session is free, and you can get tickets here. If you can’t make it, then you’ll surely see more of it before the TCG hits stores in 2027. It’s probably not the only thing being cooked up to honor the anime—after all, Pierrot never did release those four brand-new episodes to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Naruto #Anime #Trading #Card #Game #CrazeBandai,Naruto,Trading Cards

The Naruto anime turns 25 next year, and to mark the occasion, it’s getting a new trading card game.

Developed by Bandai Card Games, the TCG will be a strategy-focused experience for the competitive-minded folk. Along with the big anniversary milestone, this’ll be the franchise’s first dip into the trading card waters since the early 2010s. Since then, Bandai’s been gradually putting out similar games for popular shonen like Digimon, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. As a member of the Big Three and important to shonen culture, it makes sense Naruto gets a fresh game.

In a brief statement, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto expressed joy at his franchise “growing larger once again. I truly hope these cards find their way to both their hands and your hearts.” Kishimoto also drew artwork for the TCG featuring the teen versions of Boruto’s dad and his longtime best bud Sasuke Uchiha, and they’re the stars of the trailer below.

Bandai’s keeping mum for now on how Naruto Card Game plays or even what characters will be in it. Details will be revealed at Gen Con Indy, where attendees will also get to play it for themselves. The annual tabletop game convention runs from July 30-August 2 this year, and playtests will run during the whole event. Each one-hour session is free, and you can get tickets here. If you can’t make it, then you’ll surely see more of it before the TCG hits stores in 2027. It’s probably not the only thing being cooked up to honor the anime—after all, Pierrot never did release those four brand-new episodes to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Naruto #Anime #Trading #Card #Game #CrazeBandai,Naruto,Trading Cards

Image may contain Computer Hardware Electronics Hardware Stereo and Amplifier

Photograph: Henri Robbins

The 60HE v2’s simple internal design makes repairs easy, allowing the keyboard to be disassembled in seconds. Despite this ease of access, Wooting’s solid construction ensures everything stays securely in place. Inside, you will find a plate, switches, a silicone layer, a PCB with rubber feet on the underside, your choice of sound dampening layer, and the case.

Switch compatibility is often a weak point for analog keyboards, but the 60HE v2 easily outpaces competitors from Keychron, Razer, and ROG, which typically only support two or three options. By adopting the widely used KS-20 design, the 60HE v2 works with switches from Gateron, Geon, and several other manufacturers, giving users a constantly growing range of options.

My only real complaint is the adherence to the standard GH60 form factor, which places the USB-C port directly on the left side of the PCB. While I would prefer a centered port on a separate daughterboard for convenience and repairability, I understand the choice. The benefits of standardization for both consumers and manufacturers ultimately outweigh this minor design gripe.

I’m impressed by how well this keyboard performs across every metric. The build quality is robust, the switches are smooth and consistent, and nearly every aspect can be tailored to the individual player. Aside from the lack of wireless connectivity, it leaves nothing to be desired.

The 60HE v2 is easily one of the best gaming keyboards available today. While it is currently backordered, if you are willing to be patient, it is absolutely worth the $240 price tag.

#Wooting #Created #Peak #Keyboard #Perfection #60HEshopping,gaming,keyboards,accessories and peripherals">Wooting Created Peak Keyboard Perfection With the 60HE v2The most controversial feature is Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Direction (SOCD) customization. This allows one key to override another rather than registering both simultaneously, which is ideal for strafing in tactical shooters like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. The difference in reaction speed is immediately noticeable, making quick peeks far more consistent. However, because of the distinct advantage it provides, the feature has been banned in some competitive games because it reduces the delay between directional movement to near-zero levels without requiring any additional skills.Testing these features across a variety of shooters and racing games, I was consistently impressed by the level of fine-tuning Wootility offers—something not possible on a traditional mechanical keyboard.The gaming experience of this keyboard is simply impressive. The switches are incredibly smooth and consistent, offering granular control with near-instantaneous, low-latency inputs. While older Hall Effect keyboards from competitors like Keychron and Asus often lacked the tactile feel of traditional mechanical designs, Wooting’s Lekker switches easily bridge the gap.The RGB lighting also looks great and is deeply customizable. Like most LEDs, it tends to lean slightly blue, but this is easily corrected in the software (I set mine to 203/192/180 for a true white). It is a minor quirk in an otherwise impressive lighting setup.Peak RepairabilityPhotograph: Henri RobbinsThe 60HE v2’s simple internal design makes repairs easy, allowing the keyboard to be disassembled in seconds. Despite this ease of access, Wooting’s solid construction ensures everything stays securely in place. Inside, you will find a plate, switches, a silicone layer, a PCB with rubber feet on the underside, your choice of sound dampening layer, and the case.Switch compatibility is often a weak point for analog keyboards, but the 60HE v2 easily outpaces competitors from Keychron, Razer, and ROG, which typically only support two or three options. By adopting the widely used KS-20 design, the 60HE v2 works with switches from Gateron, Geon, and several other manufacturers, giving users a constantly growing range of options.My only real complaint is the adherence to the standard GH60 form factor, which places the USB-C port directly on the left side of the PCB. While I would prefer a centered port on a separate daughterboard for convenience and repairability, I understand the choice. The benefits of standardization for both consumers and manufacturers ultimately outweigh this minor design gripe.I’m impressed by how well this keyboard performs across every metric. The build quality is robust, the switches are smooth and consistent, and nearly every aspect can be tailored to the individual player. Aside from the lack of wireless connectivity, it leaves nothing to be desired.The 60HE v2 is easily one of the best gaming keyboards available today. While it is currently backordered, if you are willing to be patient, it is absolutely worth the 0 price tag.#Wooting #Created #Peak #Keyboard #Perfection #60HEshopping,gaming,keyboards,accessories and peripherals

TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is down to just $12.97, giving users an easy OS upgrade with advanced security, productivity tools, gaming features, and Copilot AI.

Some upgrades just feel right. This is one of them.

If your PC has been running a little sluggish or you’ve been meaning to bring your system up to speed, Windows 11 Pro is just $12.97 (reg. $199) — a rare, time-sensitive offer that rewards quick, savvy decisions.

Mashable Deals

By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.

Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.

For professionals, creators, and power users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.

And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.

But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one. Get Windows 11 Pro for just $12.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

#Dont #pay #Windows #Pro">Don’t pay 9 for Windows 11 Pro when it’s currently just TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is down to just .97, giving users an easy OS upgrade with advanced security, productivity tools, gaming features, and Copilot AI. Some upgrades just feel right. This is one of them.If your PC has been running a little sluggish or you’ve been meaning to bring your system up to speed, Windows 11 Pro is just .97 (reg. 9) — a rare, time-sensitive offer that rewards quick, savvy decisions. Mashable Deals By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.For professionals, creators, and power users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS. Mashable Deals By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one. Get Windows 11 Pro for just .97 (reg. 9).StackSocial prices subject to change. #Dont #pay #Windows #Pro

Windows 11 Pro is down to just $12.97, giving users an easy OS upgrade with advanced security, productivity tools, gaming features, and Copilot AI.

Some upgrades just feel right. This is one of them.

If your PC has been running a little sluggish or you’ve been meaning to bring your system up to speed, Windows 11 Pro is just $12.97 (reg. $199) — a rare, time-sensitive offer that rewards quick, savvy decisions.

Mashable Deals

By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.

Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.

For professionals, creators, and power users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.

And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.

But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one. Get Windows 11 Pro for just $12.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

#Dont #pay #Windows #Pro">Don’t pay $199 for Windows 11 Pro when it’s currently just $13

TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is down to just $12.97, giving users an easy OS upgrade with advanced security, productivity tools, gaming features, and Copilot AI.

Some upgrades just feel right. This is one of them.

If your PC has been running a little sluggish or you’ve been meaning to bring your system up to speed, Windows 11 Pro is just $12.97 (reg. $199) — a rare, time-sensitive offer that rewards quick, savvy decisions.

Mashable Deals

By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.

Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.

For professionals, creators, and power users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.

And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.

But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one. Get Windows 11 Pro for just $12.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

#Dont #pay #Windows #Pro

Post Comment