Disney Enterprises has been knocked back in its copyright and trademark dispute with a company which offers themed characters for hire at events.
District Judge George Daniels denied Disney’s request for summary judgment of infringement at the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Thursday, August 9.
Disney and its subsidiaries, including Marvel Characters and Lucasfilm Entertainment, filed a lawsuit against Nick Sarelli in March 2016.
Through www.charactersforhire.com, Sarelli offers more than 3,500 themed characters to be hired for corporate parties, birthdays, and other events.
Disney’s complaint noted that the merchandising and licensing of distinctive characters is a “significant aspect” of its business, and it has not authorised Characters for Hire to use any of the IP-protected characters.
Disney asked the court to order a permanent injunction against Sarelli, in addition to damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees. It also requested summary judgment in relation to the infringement and dilution claims.
On August 13, WIPR reported that Marvel is considering whether to oppose two trademark applications which feature similarities to the name of a fictional country featured in recent box office hit “Black Panther”.
Source: WIPR