In a statement, the Mouse House says, 'We oppose Mr. Zimmerman's attempt to register a logo that is nearly identical to our trademarks for his commercial exploitation.'
- Sep 6, 2014
AceShowbiz - The legal dispute between Deadmau5 and Disney over his mouse ears garb is getting hotter. Shortly after the two's battle made headlines, the DJ whose real name is Zoel Zimmerman accused the company of using his music on their video without permission and now Disney has released a statement responding to the allegation.
On Thursday, September 4, Deadmau5 said that his camp had sent a cease and desist letter to the company, telling them to stop using his song "Ghosts 'n' Stuff" for their 90-second "Re-Micks". As reported by Niagara Falls Review, the performer said he was "unaware of any licenses(s) between Disney and EMI ... granting Disney the right to synchronize the Composition with the Infringing Video" or use the recording "in any manner or media."
On late Friday, Disney responded in a statement. "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," it read. "Our opposition is not about the use of the Deadmau5 costume. The music was appropriately licensed, and there is no merit to his statement."
The legal drama first started when the Mouse House blocked the DJ from registering his "mau5head" in the U.S. In the documents, Disney says Deadmau5's logo "is nearly identical in appearance, connotation and overall commercial impression to Disney's Mouse Ears Marks."
In a statement to media, Deadmau5's lawyer Dina LaPolt said, "Given that the mau5head, and other identifying deadmau5 trademarks, have been used in the U.S. and around the world for almost a decade, we wonder why Disney is only now coming after deadmau5." Deadmau5 then told The Review, "Disney doesn't want me to file in the U.S. for some weird reason. (I'm) trying to set up a jousting match in the Magic Kingdom to settle the matter."
okay mouse, https://t.co/zT7tTLffFw i never gave disney a liscene to use my track. So. we emailed you a C&D. @disney
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) September 4, 2014
