Universal vs. Disney - RnR

[Condorman]

When Disney blew off the Beastly Kingdomme for AK some of their imagineers went to USO and built the Dueling Dragons coaster based upon designs originally created at Disney. I've since heard the Disney could never build their dragon tower "Reign of Fire" because it would infringe on Universal's patent/copyright/trademark.

However, isn't Universal building a "Rockit" rollercoaster that plays music and totally sounds like a ripped off version of what exists in DHS? So how is this not an infringement? Am I missing a piece of the puzzle?

 

[CanadianGuy]

Given that the underlying Coaster for RnR is an off the shelf solution from a vendor.. (with Disney stuff slung onto it) .. I doubt you could argue too much infringement on that.

There is an identical coaster in Europe (outdoor) ... same track layout and everything. Just no on-board Aerosmith. I believe it has a Superman theme.

 

[Condorman]

I can understand the coaster itself being generic and therefore untouchable, but what about the theme? This is more than just a coincidence on Universal's part.

 

[Metro West]

When Disney blew off the Beastly Kingdomme for AK some of their imagineers went to USO and built the Dueling Dragons coaster based upon designs originally created at Disney. I've since heard the Disney could never build their dragon tower "Reign of Fire" because it would infringe on Universal's patent/copyright/trademark.

However, isn't Universal building a "Rockit" rollercoaster that plays music and totally sounds like a ripped off version of what exists in DHS? So how is this not an infringement? Am I missing a piece of the puzzle?

That's interesting...where did you hear this? I must have missed something.

HRRR is not a rip-off of anything Disney has. The only similarities is it will play music...but music YOU decide you want to hear and some kind of launch system. Other than that, how is it a rip-off? I don't think Universal needs to rip-off anything Disney currently has...especially a coaster. Disney doesn't build the types of coasters Universal puts up...everyone should know that by now.

Given that the underlying Coaster for RnR is an off the shelf solution from a vendor.. (with Disney stuff slung onto it) .. I doubt you could argue too much infringement on that.

There is an identical coaster in Europe (outdoor) ... same track layout and everything. Just no on-board Aerosmith. I believe it has a Superman theme.

Yup...a pretty much standard Vekoma coaster.

 

[imzadiangel]

As to the Dueling Dragons coaster being originally intended for AK, I've heard this for quite some time, from various cast members in both parks -- my husband included. Also a good look at the spots on the dragons will reveal quite a high number of "hidden Mickey's," which while commonplace at Disney, seems odd for Universal, no?

Copyrights and trademarks don't apply in the case of the coaster unless there is an infringement to the name, backstory, or the visual designs used. The actual ride vehicles could possibly be protected by a patent (though given the nature of the ride that's doubtful), and even then, there are substantial enough differences in the experience to fall under a new patent (again, if applicable) and be considered non-infringing.

I suspect in the case of a castle, or other such building, a copyright exists on the architectural design of said building.

 

[Condorman]

When USO first unveiled the illustrations and concept behind the new ride, RnR was the first thing that came to mind. I don't believe Disney will go after them for it, nor do I believe they will ever build a dragon coaster at AK.

That's the first I've ever heard about hidden mickeys on Dueling Dragons. Thanks for the insight!

 

[Metro West]

When USO first unveiled the illustrations and concept behind the new ride, RnR was the first thing that came to mind. I don't believe Disney will go after them for it, nor do I believe they will ever build a dragon coaster at AK.

Why would Disney go after Universal? What grounds would they have? The coasters are different...help me out here. And because you thought of RnR first, you think Universal ripped DHS off? Again...help me out here...I don't get it.

 

[imzadiangel]

I believe Condorman said that Disney would not go after them for it. I think we agree on this point, Metro. I too, however thought of RnR the moment I saw the information for the new ride. Do I think it's a rip off? No. Inspired by, perhaps. Regardless many casual visitors are bound to see this as Universal's "RnR on steriods" and comparisons are bound to come.

I of course am obligated to perfer RnR, as this is where I first met my husband! The things that happen when you strike up a conversation in line.

 

[Metro West]

I believe Condorman said that Disney would not go after them for it. I think we agree on this point, Metro. I too, however thought of RnR the moment I saw the information for the new ride. Do I think it's a rip off? No. Inspired by, perhaps. Regardless many casual visitors are bound to see this as Universal's "RnR on steriods" and comparisons are bound to come.

I of course am obligated to perfer RnR, as this is where I first met my husband! The things that happen when you strike up a conversation in line.

I know and that's why I asked why Disney WOULD go after them? They have no grounds to do that and I wanted him to explain to me why he thinks Disney would have any basis to "go after them."

I'll have to watch my step in line...I guess you're right...you never know who you might meet.

 

[Condorman]

I know and that's why I asked why Disney WOULD go after them? They have no grounds to do that and I wanted him to explain to me why he thinks Disney would have any basis to "go after them."

I'll have to watch my step in line...I guess you're right...you never know who you might meet.

Uh, Metro... You need to relax. You're coming off like someone on USO's payroll. It was an obvious comparison between the coasters and my question was a simple one based upon the rights of intellectual property. I was asking for opinions, not tar and feathers.

If USO decided to build a coaster with a theme in the mountains where you encounter Sasquatch, I'd be asking the same thing with regards to EE.

Take deep breaths. It's just an on-line forum.

 

[Metro West]

Uh, Metro... You need to relax. You're coming off like someone on USO's payroll. It was an obvious comparison between the coasters and my question was a simple one based upon the rights of intellectual property. I was asking for opinions, not tar and feathers.

If USO decided to build a coaster with a theme in the mountains where you encounter Sasquatch, I'd be asking the same thing with regards to EE.

Take deep breaths. It's just an on-line forum.

It didn't sound like asking for opinions but if that's what you meant so be it.

 

[keishashadow]

When Disney blew off the Beastly Kingdomme for AK some of their imagineers went to USO and built the Dueling Dragons coaster based upon designs originally created at Disney. I've since heard the Disney could never build their dragon tower "Reign of Fire" because it would infringe on Universal's patent/copyright/trademark.

However, isn't Universal building a "Rockit" rollercoaster that plays music and totally sounds like a ripped off version of what exists in DHS? So how is this not an infringement? Am I missing a piece of the puzzle?

guess this park jumped on the RNR bandwagon too

in particular, Led Zepplin, The Ride

http://www.hardrockpark.com/

 

[ChrisFL]

I wasn't in the loop, I didn't know that Disney copyrighted the term "rock'n'roll" or it's various versions of "rock"....must have come after they copyrighted "magic"

 

[MonicaInFlorida]

I can understand the coaster itself being generic and therefore untouchable, but what about the theme? This is more than just a coincidence on Universal's part.

Nah, I highly doubt Disney could do that. They'd have no grounds, as rock music isn't a Disney possession.

Lots of local fairgrounds have rock-music-themed rides as well, and have for years. As long as US doesn't use Aerosmith, they're golden.

 

[bobtrombone]

That's the first I've ever heard about hidden mickeys on Dueling Dragons. Thanks for the insight!

Am I the only one who thinks about 75% of the "hidden Mickeys" people see are bogus? It's gotten to the point where any group of three circular blobs are considered a Mickey.
Don't get me wrong, I love seeing the more convincing ones, it just seems that people are seeing them where they don't really exist.

 

[wannabef]

Am I the only one who thinks about 75% of the "hidden Mickeys" people see are bogus? It's gotten to the point where any group of three circular blobs are considered a Mickey.
Don't get me wrong, I love seeing the more convincing ones, it just seems that people are seeing them where they don't really exist.

I had my ophthalmologist add Mickey-shaped floaters to my eyes. Maybe that's why I see them everywhere. Hmmmm...

 

[bobtrombone]

I had my ophthalmologist add Mickey-shaped floaters to my eyes. Maybe that's why I see them everywhere. Hmmmm...

Nice! I hear ya about the floaters - there's definitely one that looks like Kaa from Jungle Book in my left eye...