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If you’re planning a Disney trip, or are just a Disney lover in general, you already know that the internet is overflowing with plenty of Disney inspired merchandise. Now, a new lawsuit has been filed by The Disney Corporation against a Kissimmee based online seller that is producing and selling merchandise containing copyrighted Disney images and characters. What are your thoughts on Disney’s stance on the sale of imitation merchandise?
Knockoff merchandise sales
The Disney Corporation has filed a lawsuit against an online retailer that Disney officials claim have continued to produce and sell counterfeit goods based on Disney merchandise.
The companies “The Secret Disney Group” and “Popsella Marketplace” have been named in the lawsuit.
The merchandise in question includes face masks, hair accessories, stickers, decals, key chains, hats, buttons, fanny packs, magnets, and of course, Mickey ears.
The lawsuit alleges that Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and Stitch are featured on several of these goods, without permission from The Disney Corporation.
The Disney Corporation is seeking to stop these companies and individuals from using their trademarks and copyrighted properties.
Online sales
Disney believes that The Secret Disney Group and Popsella Marketplace used several online platforms when selling their Disney based merchandise. The lawsuit alleges these companies utilized Etsy, eBay, Amazon, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Disney alleges the companies used trademarked Disney logos and designs without permission.
The Disney Corporation first attempted to halt Disney inspired sales by The Secret Disney Group and Popsella Marketplace in December 2021. Disney officials sent multiple cease-and-desist letters to the owners of the online retailers.
However, these orders did not stop these sales. Disney alleges in the lawsuit that the online retailer businesses continued to sell the imitation merchandise, but under several different names. The lawsuit claims the defendant used “Sparkling Dreamers” and “Sparkling Members,” as alternative company names, among others.
source: Clickorlando
What are your thoughts on this new lawsuit filed by Disney? Let us know in the comments below.
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Kg
Wednesday 25th of January 2023
Steamboat Willie will be olpublic domain. But honestly it should stay with Disney. It does not belong to any one else. Public Domain is stupid.
Kg
Wednesday 25th of January 2023
You can but can not sell it.
Linda
Thursday 12th of January 2023
For personal use, yes. For commercial use, NO.
Brett
Thursday 12th of January 2023
Yeah that’s not how it works. There is an “intended use” clause that’s very gray but essentially it means that if you buy fabric or whatever that has the images, logos, etc. on it then it was designed for a specific personal use and not commercial use. Using it commercially is a violation of copyright law. I knew someone who legally bought Coca Cola and John Deere license plates turned them into birdhouse roofs and sold a lot of them and then was shut down under the same “intended use” clause.
Liz
Monday 9th of January 2023
That’s what I’m trying to figure out because you can buy Disney printed fabrics, card stick , button , toys abs such from craft stores , Walmart target etc.. once I pay for it I should be able to create what I like.