Disney sues Hong Kong jewellery firm over Mickey Mouse trademark
According to the Associated Press, Disney's legal team accuses Red Earth of 'trying to confuse consumers' by using Mickey Mouse imagery in a way that implies collaboration or licencing arrangement with Disney.The promotional materials and product descriptions for the collection are said to be designed to appeal directly to Disney fans.Although the earliest version of Mickey Mouse from the 1928 short Steamboat Willie entered the public domain in the United States last year due to expired copyright, Disney asserts it still holds trademark rights over the character.Disney argues that Red Earth is taking advantage of its public domain status as a ruse to support the unauthorised sale of items such as the "Satur Mickey 1928 Classique Ring," which is a Steamboat Willie-inspired ornament grasping a synthetic stone.According to the Associated Press, in its formal release, Disney reasserted its dedication to protecting its intellectual property: "Disney is committed to protecting against unauthorised trademark infringement and preventing consumers from being confused by unauthorised uses of Mickey Mouse and our other beloved characters."- EndsMust Watch
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