Morgan & Morgan sues Disney to use Steamboat Willie in law firm ads
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 6:02 pm
Law Firm Sues Disney Over Steamboat Willie Ad Use
ORLANDO, Fla. – A major personal injury law firm has filed a lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, seeking permission to use imagery from the iconic animated short film *Steamboat Willie* in its advertising campaigns. The law firm, known for its "For the people" tagline, is asking a federal court to rule on whether it can legally incorporate elements from the 1928 film into its television and online advertisements.
The core of the dispute centers on copyright. The law firm argues that the U.S. copyright for *Steamboat Willie* expired last year, making the film's imagery available for public use. They contend that they reached out to Disney to avoid potential legal action, but the entertainment giant declined to provide legal advice.
Fearing a lawsuit from Disney over trademark infringement, the law firm decided to preemptively file its own legal action. The firm aims to secure a definitive ruling on its right to use *Steamboat Willie* in its ads.
The proposed advertisement, described in the lawsuit, features Mickey Mouse captaining a boat that crashes into a car driven by Minnie Mouse. The commercial concludes with Minnie contacting the law firm. The ad includes a disclaimer stating that Disney did not approve or authorize the advertisement.
Disney has not yet issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. The case highlights the complexities surrounding intellectual property rights and the potential for legal battles when copyright terms expire.
BNN's Perspective: This case presents an interesting clash between intellectual property law and the public domain. While the law firm's intent to use *Steamboat Willie* imagery is understandable given the film's iconic status, Disney's concern over potential trademark infringement is also valid. The court's decision will likely set a precedent for future cases involving expired copyrights and their commercial application.
Keywords: Morgan & Morgan, Disney, Steamboat Willie, lawsuit, copyright, advertisement, trademark infringement, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, legal action, public domain, intellectual property.