ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Steamboat Willy “For People?”
This is a question that one of the largest personal injury law firms in the United States is seeking a decision from federal courts in central Florida.
Law firm Morgan & Morgan sued Disney on Wednesday to get an ruling that would allow “Steamboat Willie” to be used in ads in a television commercial known for its catchphrase “For the People.” “Steamboat Willie” is a groundbreaking 1928 animated short film directed by Walt Disney, and was first released by Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
The law firm said that US copyright expired due to “Steamboat Willie,” the roadster for American animated film at the time, and that entertainment companies were reaching out to Disney to avoid sue if they used images of animated films from television or online ads. According to the lawsuit, Disney’s attorney responded by saying they were not providing legal advice to third parties.
Morgan & Morgan said they were filing a lawsuit to make a decision because they feared that if they used “Steamboat Willie,” they would be sued by Disney for trademark infringement.
Disney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday evening.
In the black and white animated ads that Morgan and Morgan want to air, the narrator announcer starts and ends the commercial, saying Disney has not approved or approved the ad. The ad shows Mickey, who captains a boat on the land that crashes into a car driven by Minnie, pulls out a phone and contacts the law firm.
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