In the Los Angeles Times article “Screamboat Willie? Mickey Mouse horror films lurk as cartoon enters public domain,” Knobbe Martens partner Mark Lezama discussed the possible legal issues around using the Mickey Mouse character now that “Steamboat Willie” has entered the public domain.
The article discusses independent filmmakers who have seized the opportunity to produce horror films featuring Mickey Mouse. But they will still need to take into account Disney’s unexpired copyrights in works with modern depictions of Mickey, as well as Disney’s trademarks.
“The main thing is to be sure you’re not using Mickey in promotional materials in a way that would make someone think the film came from Disney,” Lezama added. “I don’t think that should be too hard, especially if Mickey is portrayed as a bloodthirsty sadist.”
Read the full article here.
