Disney has filed a lawsuit against Deadmau5 (pronouced as "dead mouse") to block his trademark request in the United States because of his logo's similarity to Mickey Mouse.
The logo appears on Deadmau5's album artwork, and is based on the oversized helmet he wears during each of his concerts.
According to TMZ, Deadmau5, also known as Joel Zimmerman, has worn the mouse head costume for 10 years. Over 30 countries have already approved trademarks in Zimmerman's favor, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany. Zimmerman applied for the trademark through the U.S. Patent and Trademark office last year.
Disney's concern is warranted as Zimmerman's registration covers a range of products from toys to BMX bikes. Merchandise is Disney's bread and butter so its intervention makes sense. It is unclear why Disney did not attempt to block Zimmerman's trademarks in other countries.
Disney thinks you might confuse an established electronic musician / performer with a cartoon mouse. That's how stupid they think you are.
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) September 3, 2014
That's easy for him to say but the striking resemblance to Mickey Mouse is not a mistake on his part. Zimmerman could have easily asked an artist to draw a mouse with a shape more compliated than three circles with eyes.
The case has not yet been brought to court, but it is one that musicians everywhere will be following closely.
