Under the approach in my new book, such uses of the Steamboat Willie image are OK if people don’t think Disney is the source of the beer, but the breweries should not be able to register or obtain trademark protection for this packaging design because this image is inherently valuable expression.
Lisa P. Ramsey
Missed this when new - two competing breweries both released "public domain" Steamboat Willy themed beers. www.westword.com/food-drink/p...
www.westword.com
When the copyright on Steamboat Willie expired, Golden City and 4 Noses both jumped at the chance to use the cartoon as inspiration.
