Disney is suing the electronic DJ Deadmau5 over his logo

[crazy4wdw]

Disney is suing the electronic DJ Deadmau5 over his logo

Disney is suing the electronic DJ Deadmau5 over his logo—but the Magic Kingdom might end up being the Old Media loser in this showdown.

In 1998, Joel Thomas Zimmerman was 16 years old, noodling around with vintage DOS music software like Impulse Tracker.

A world away, in Washington, D.C., well-heeled lobbyists got Congress to pass the Copyright Term Extension Act, better known as the Mickey Mouse Protection Act, adding 20 years to the life of a copyright. Disney was one of the act’s primary backers.

This week, the two collided. Zimmerman is now better known as Deadmau5, electronic music performer, DJ, and Rolling Stone cover boy, who made $21 million in 2013. And as first reported by TMZ, Disney is suing him over his ears.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/03/battle-of-the-mouses-mickey-mouse-v-deadmau5.html#

 

[Skywise]

I'm surprised it took them this long.

 

[Reddog1134]

I'm surprised it took them this long.

It's because he (Deadmau5) just recently tried to trademark the logo.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Ever notice how so many alleged entertainment people,( often with little or no talent) are trying to steal(and before the debate.......say *USE*) Disney logos?......etc.


To bad they cannot come up with their own ideas etc.

AKK

 

[lavatea]

Ever notice how so many alleged entertainment people,( often with little or no talent) are trying to steal(and before the debate.......say *USE*) Disney logos?......etc.


To bad they cannot come up with their own ideas etc.

AKK

I would argue it's dissimilar enough not to confuse. Looks more like Jerry than Mickey. And he's been using it for a decade or so, not to mention he's pretty popular - so I don't know about your "little or no talent" argument, either.

 

[Planogirl]

Disney could theoretically argue that every image of a mouse shouldn't be used due to similarity but I wonder if they can get away with that. A mouse looks like a mouse.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I would argue it's dissimilar enough not to confuse. Looks more like Jerry than Mickey. And he's been using it for a decade or so, not to mention he's pretty popular - so I don't know about your "little or no talent" argument, either.

Sorry, I don't see jerry at all. Why was he using it at all?...........what not make up a clearly independent logo for himself? As to the talent issue I was talking in general and he has not been really noticed to any great degree until recently.

Just my opinion....I hope Disney wins this one.

AKK

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Disney could theoretically argue that every image of a mouse shouldn't be used due to similarity but I wonder if they can get away with that. A mouse looks like a mouse.

They of course *could*. However consider the number of other mouse images in entertainment and on store shelves and Disney is not suing to have removed.......they are *NOT arguing* they own every mouse image.

AKK

 

[Reddog1134]

I don't think the Deadmau5 head looks too similar to Mickey but I think these are similar.

 

[Disneychick75]

They of course *could*. However consider the number of other mouse images in entertainment and on store shelves and Disney is not suing to have removed.......they are *NOT arguing* they own every mouse image.

AKK

Yet

 

[Airship Ariadne]

the article really doesn't make it clear...Disney hasn't sued him, they just filed to block his recent application to Trademark his image...funny how he wants to protect HIS intellectual property, when it is nothing but a slightly altered image of someone else's...but of course, he doesn't actually create anything, he just recycles other people's creations and calls it original.

In response to Disney trying to block the Trademark, he told Disney to "lawyer up." so if there is to be any suing, it sounds like he might try suing Disney. I think Deadmaus is in for a nasty surprise.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I don't think the Deadmau5 head looks too similar to Mickey but I think these are similar.

Hi Reddog,

In that image deadmau image looks more like the early steamboat willy images of Mickey, but still like the modern one as well. I honestly don't see jerry in the image at all.

AKK

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

the article really doesn't make it clear...Disney hasn't sued him, they just filed to block his recent application to Trademark his image...funny how he wants to protect HIS intellectual property, when it is nothing but a slightly altered image of someone else's...but of course, he doesn't actually create anything, he just recycles other people's creations and calls it original.

This was really my point in the first place..........why not make up his own image and not back pack on Disney.........

In response to Disney trying to block the Trademark, he told Disney to "lawyer up." so if there is to be any suing, it sounds like he might try suing Disney. I think Deadmaus is in for a nasty surprise.

I hope Disney follow though on this one.


AKK

 

[tjkraz]

My first thought is that this is a good example of why our legal system exists.

I can certainly see why both parties are making their respective claims and "agree to disagree" with one another. Let a judge and/or jury hear all the evidence and decide the proper verdict.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I'll admit, the first time I saw his logo I wondered if Disney was ok with it.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

My first thought is that this is a good example of why our legal system exists.

I can certainly see why both parties are making their respective claims and "agree to disagree" with one another. Let a judge and/or jury hear all the evidence and decide the proper verdict.

Good Points!!!

AKK

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

My first thought is that this is a good example of why our legal system exists.

I can certainly see why both parties are making their respective claims and "agree to disagree" with one another. Let a judge and/or jury hear all the evidence and decide the proper verdict.

Good Points!!!

AKK

 

[TygerHawks]

Heh...Deadmau5 has turned around to sue Disney for using one of his songs in a short without permission. Documents here:

http://thissongissick.com/blog/2014/deadmau5-sues-disney/#sthash.HrSnR0Df.dpbs

Disney lawyers are not stupid. Artists don't maintain rights to song, publishers do. If he is with a publisher such as BMI, then Disney licensed through them and do not need his permission. All I can say is "good luck!"

 

[ChloeH]

I don't think the Deadmau5 head looks too similar to Mickey but I think these are similar.

I don't think the two images are the same. I think they are different enough that if someone saw the Deadmau5 image they would not think mickey head - they might think it looks similar but it is obviously not a mickey head. The shape of the ears is different, and the ratio between the size of the mickey ears to the head is much different. The Deadmau5 ears are almost the same size as the head, and they are not circles. I think they look more like the actual shape of mouse ears.

 

[Cin]

This is such a ridiculous lawsuit. I have seen Deadmau5's mouse head and logo and never once did I ever think of Mickey Mouse or Disney. The ears on Deadmau5 are so disproportional and outrageous looking and then there's that cheesy grin. They are not the same at all. Nope, not a hidden Mickey here at all. I suppose this lawsuit and the cost is why we are losing Off Kilter, the Fife & Drum Corps, Mo-Roccan and more entertainment. Stoopid Suits. Right now, I both love Disney and hate Disney. Is that even possible?