Posted on 05/25/2011 7:04:39 AM PDT by markomalley
SEAL Team 6 isn’t going down without a fight.
The Navy is challenging Disney’s attempt to trademark the name of the elite squad responsible for taking out the world’s most wanted terrorist.
On May 3, just two days after Usama bin Laden was killed in a raid on the Al Qaeda leader’s Pakistan compound, Disney filed trademark applications to use the name "SEAL Team 6" on everything from entertainment, toys, video games, clothing, footwear -- even Christmas ornaments and snow globes.
Disney's applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filed cover three separate categories of goods and services -- meaning, they don't yet have consumer products but intend to in the future.
But 10 days later, on May 13, the U.S. Navy hit back, filing two applications of its own. The Navy's competing applications sought trademark status for "SEAL Team" posters and clothing, as well as “Navy SEAL” goods and services, identifying the Navy squad as an organization that “develops and executes military missions involving special operations strategy, doctrine and tactics."
Disney has not responded to FoxNews.com's repeated requests for comment.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
I hope the SEALS are successful. There’s something perverse in what Disney is attempting. Haven’t they Disneyfied enough of society?
Given Disney’s fondness for stories with at least one dead parent, I’m sure the SEAL trademark will spawn lots of new storylines, none of which I plan to ever see.
Disgusting. Our SEALS go thru hell, quite literally, to EARN the right to call themselves Navy SEALS.
I’m all for free speech, but it is a disgrace to try to commercialize the work of our magnificent SEALS and the ultra amazing Team 6.
and let’s not forget that they stole the lion king from the japanese anime.
About 40 years ago I hauled milk in Florida for a company called Paramarine Bulk Milk Haulers (IMSM) The logo they used was a globe and anchor under a parachute. The Dept of the Navy was not pleased but the owner, a paramarine himself, said he was proud of that status and refused to change the logo. I don’t know what eventually happened though.
IMHO, this is a natural outgrowth of the Stolen Valor Act having been ruled un-Constitutional. Certainly, nobody at Disney is claiming to be a SEAL, but when the meaning of military awards and decorations is allowed to be cheapened, mocked and falsely claimed, it only stands to reason that they would be exploited for profit by those who have no real right to them. The courts said it was OK, and many, even here at FR, agreed with it.
I really don’t see much of a problem with this. Why should the public sector profit from something that will make more jobs in the private sector?
Does Disneyland Paris count?
Don't blame Mickey Mouse for trying, Warzecha said.
I absolutely do. I think it is despicable on the part of Disney.
Interesting ....
First, hasn’t Disney made two movies using the name Navy Seals. One with Charlie Shean and one aimed at kids. So they must already have some rights to the name.
Second, I’ve worked with the US Armed Forces before and getting licenses to use images (i.e. the Thunderbirds) is very easy and very inexpensive. Disney would be better off getting a license to use the name rather than trying to trademark it themselves.
I have read that Disney designed the “Flying Tigers” logo. Probably did it for free too.
I remember Adolph Galland, the fighter command head of the Luftwaffe had Mickey Mouse for his plane’s symbol. I bet he didn’t get Disney’s permission.
Galland had over a hundred air to air victories and survived the war.
What if Disney decides to use the name in a way to create negative/adverse opinions of the SEALS...i.e. depicts them as villains/criminals in a video game, or some other way that could reflect poorly on the Navy and impact their recruiting and public relations efforts.
The Disney company has never been the same without him.
Ever since they bribed their way into getting Mickey’s copyright extended until the Second Coming, Disney has been quite full of itself and seems to think the entire world is Disney Intellectual Property.
Makes you want to pirate a copy of Pinocchio, just out of spite.
Walt also let the University of Oregon use Donald as a mascot on their athletic uniforms. No more though as modern era Disney wanted a bigger and bigger cut.
Ok, well here’s a solution.
Just make anything having to do with the government public domain. For instance, how many movies are there portraying the CIA as bad guys, and alternatively as good guys? So if Disney decides to depict them as villains, someone else can come along and depict them as heroes.
Bugs Bunny is a Warner Brothers character, not Disney. :-)
Except by trademarking it they have exclusive rights to it.
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