You might have heard – Disney is on the front foot against the popular EDM DJ Deadmau5, claiming that his iconic mask is infringing on their copyrighted Mickey Mouse symbol and character.
Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) filed a trademark request for the iconic headpiece, but was blocked by Disney. Zimmerman’s lawyers have fought back, claiming that Deadmau5’s “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” song was used by Disney without direct permission from the artist. Zimmerman was seen linking this video on his Twitter feed earlier in the week:
“okay mouse, http://t.co/zT7tTLffFw i never gave disney a liscene to use my track. So. we emailed you a C&D. @disney”
Thanks to Rolling Stone, a Disney representatives point of view was aired to the public, stating:
“Disney vigorously protects its trademark rights, and we oppose Mr. Zimmerman’s attempt to register a logo that is nearly identical to our trademarks for his commercial exploitation. Our opposition is not about the use of the Deadmau5 costume. The music was appropriately licensed, and there is no merit to his statement”
What do you think about the infringement claim? Is there merit – or do you simply not care enough for this type of ‘politics’?
Image courtesy of Your EDM
If Deadmau5 claims that Disney used his music without authorization, he or his lawyers must have proof. Also, Disney must have something up their sleeve as well. Otherwise they wouldn’t be putting up such a big fight.