Morgan & Morgan Suing Disney Over Steamboat Willie Public Domain Rights — Is Mickey Mouse “For The People” Now?

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The law firm Morgan & Morgan is planning to use the original 1928 version of Mickey Mouse, from the cartoon ‘Steamboat Willie,’ in its advertising. To avoid a potential copyright lawsuit from Disney, they’ve proactively filed their own lawsuit against the company. The case was filed in federal court in Orlando, Florida, on September 17, 2025.

This happened after the law firm Morgan & Morgan asked Disney if they were allowed to use the original Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse. Disney simply responded that they don’t offer legal opinions to outside companies. Now, Morgan & Morgan is asking a court to decide if their use of this early Mickey Mouse design violates Disney’s copyright.

Mickey Mouse’s Steamboat Willie: Disney’s Domain or “For the People”?

Morgan & Morgan is well-known for its slogan, “For the People.” Interestingly, they’re now using that very phrase to describe what they believe has happened to Steamboat Willie – it’s become a part of public culture.

The original version of Mickey Mouse, as seen in the 1928 short film *Steamboat Willie*, is now entering the public domain. Although Disney still owns the rights to later versions of the character, they worked hard for many years to maintain control over the early version, even lobbying Congress to extend copyright laws. These laws were extended in 1976 and again in 1998, allowing Disney to protect *Steamboat Willie* for almost a century.

But on January 1, 2024, Steamboat Willie officially entered the public domain.

Disney Doesn’t Play

Disney is known for fiercely defending its trademark on Mickey Mouse, even though the original copyright has run out.

Earlier this year, Disney sued jewelry maker Satéur over its “Mickey 1928 Collection.” Disney claimed Satéur was intentionally trying to trick customers into thinking the jewelry was officially approved by Disney by using the Steamboat Willie character and related designs.

Knowing the potential for legal issues, Morgan & Morgan asked Disney for guidance before starting their campaign. When Disney wouldn’t respond, the firm had to decide whether to wait and risk a future lawsuit, or to file a lawsuit immediately. They decided to take legal action right away.

The Outcome: What Will It Mean?

The case of Morgan & Morgan against Disney could significantly change how creative works that are in the public domain are used by businesses today.

Specifically, it may help clarify:

  • The boundary between public domain freedoms and trademark protections
  • Whether companies can use early versions of iconic characters without fear of legal retaliation
  • How intellectual property law will adapt to a digital world of memes, content creators, and viral marketing

This legal case could have far-reaching effects on many creative industries, including film, publishing, and the work of online content creators like YouTubers and TikTok influencers. The central question is whether the original version of Mickey Mouse from ‘Steamboat Willie’ still belongs to Disney, or if it’s now truly in the public domain, available for everyone to use – as the law firm Morgan & Morgan contends.

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2025-09-26 17:56