Disney is facing a legal battle over the use of its iconic animated film ‘Steamboat Willie’ in advertisements. The lawsuit, filed by Morgan & Morgan, a prominent personal injury law firm, seeks a court ruling to determine whether the company will allow the use of the film, which entered the public domain in 2024. The firm claims it attempted to reach out to Disney to ensure that the entertainment company would not sue them for using images from the film in their marketing materials. However, Disney’s legal team reportedly refused to provide any clear guidance, stating they do not offer legal advice to third parties. This refusal has prompted Morgan & Morgan to pursue the lawsuit, citing concerns over potential trademark infringement if they proceed without a clear ruling from Disney.
The legal dispute centers on whether Disney retains any trademark rights over the film, even after it has entered the public domain. While the film is now available for use without copyright restrictions, the firm argues that Disney may still hold trademark rights that could be violated by its use in advertising. Disney’s attorneys, as quoted in the lawsuit, emphasized that they would not provide legal advice to third parties and that any use of the film without a clear ruling could expose the firm to potential litigation. Attorney John Morgan, representing Morgan & Morgan, told a local newscast that Disney’s legal team was evasive, offering responses that were unclear and did not address the firm’s specific inquiries. The case is expected to take at least a year to reach court, with the outcome potentially reshaping how public domain content is used in commercial contexts.
The lawsuit highlights a growing trend of companies attempting to assert trademark rights over public domain works, even after the copyright has expired. This case raises important questions about the scope of intellectual property protections and the balance between creative expression and commercial interests. As the legal battle unfolds, it may set a precedent for how companies can navigate the use of public domain content in their marketing strategies, potentially influencing future legal interpretations of trademark law and copyright expiration dates.