Disney bosses have dismissed allegations suggesting they illegally used one of Deadmau5′ songs for an animated Mickey Mouse short, insisting the dance music star’s accusations hold “no merit”.
The DJ has been locked in a trademark dispute with Disney officials since last year, when they objected to his efforts to trademark his logo, an image of his mouse-inspired stage headgear, in the U.S. amid claims it is too similar to their iconic branding.
Last week, the star, real name Joel Zimmerman, stepped up his battle with the corporation by firing off a cease and desist letter to company chiefs, claiming they are infringing his trademarks and copyright by using his track “Ghosts ‘N’ Stuff” in their Re-Micks video.
His lawyer, Dina LaPolt, threatened to pursue legal action if the footage was not removed from the firm’s website, but Disney executives are adamant they have broken no laws.
A statement issued to Billboard.com reads: “The music was appropriately licensed, and there is no merit to his statement.”
Addressing the ongoing trademark dispute, the Disney spokesperson adds, “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.”
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