US EditionMorgan & Morgan sues Disney to use ‘Steamboat Willie’ in law firm ads
Morgan & Morgan seeks a federal court declaration to avoid trademark infringement claims from Disney while using the public domain character Steamboat Willie in ads.
- Morgan & Morgan, Florida's largest law firm, sued Disney on September 17, 2025, seeking court approval to use Steamboat Willie in its ads.
- The lawsuit followed Disney's refusal to clarify if it would sue Morgan & Morgan for trademark infringement despite Steamboat Willie's copyright expiring on January 1, 2024.
- The firm's proposed black-and-white commercial depicts Mickey steering a boat while on dry ground, which results in a collision with Minnie's car, leading her to call Morgan & Morgan for legal assistance.
- John Morgan condemned Disney's ambiguous stance, arguing that it is unreasonable for the company to claim ownership of the copyright and stating his willingness to pursue the case up to the Supreme Court if needed.
- The case aims to confirm that Morgan & Morgan's ad use of Steamboat Willie does not infringe Disney's rights, potentially setting precedent for public domain character usage.
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Morgan & Morgan takes Disney to court over rights to feature ‘Steamboat Willie’ in law firm ads
A legal battle over the use of Steamboat Willie, Disney’s pioneering animated character, is unfolding in federal court.Morgan & Morgan, Florida’s largest law firm, has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to declare the law firm’s planned use of the iconic character in an ad is protected against trademark claims from Disney. Steamboat Willie entered the public domain on Jan. 1, 2024, when Disney’s copyright protection expired.The proposed ad depicts S…
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