Canadian dance superstar deadmau5 is preparing to wage a legal battle, and he's found himself a hell of an opponent: the Walt Disney Company. Following reports earlier this year that Disney was looking into the DJ's recent trademarking activities, the EDM beatmaker is officially facing legal action from the entertainment giant after attempting to trademark his mouse head logo in the U.S.
The mau5kateer has been wearing variations on his signature helmet for a decade now, and TMZ reports that he's successfully acquired a trademark for it in more than 30 countries. He ran into trouble in the U.S., however, where Disney intervened with claims that it's too close to Mickey Mouse's famous ears. As a result, Disney is trying to block deadmau5 from getting a trademark in the U.S.
In court documents filed yesterday (September 2), Disney argues that it has used Mickey's image for over 60 years. According to the company, deadmau5's application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office would damage its interests if it's approved. The musician isn't backing down, however, and is apparently willing to fight for his logo.
All in all, this seems like a lot of fuss for what essentially amounts to three circles, but there is potentially millions of dollars at stake here. There's no word yet as to whether the case will actually reach court.
The mau5kateer has been wearing variations on his signature helmet for a decade now, and TMZ reports that he's successfully acquired a trademark for it in more than 30 countries. He ran into trouble in the U.S., however, where Disney intervened with claims that it's too close to Mickey Mouse's famous ears. As a result, Disney is trying to block deadmau5 from getting a trademark in the U.S.
In court documents filed yesterday (September 2), Disney argues that it has used Mickey's image for over 60 years. According to the company, deadmau5's application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office would damage its interests if it's approved. The musician isn't backing down, however, and is apparently willing to fight for his logo.
All in all, this seems like a lot of fuss for what essentially amounts to three circles, but there is potentially millions of dollars at stake here. There's no word yet as to whether the case will actually reach court.
