Disney Surrenders Navy Seal Battle

[HauntedGabe]

Mickey Mouse Surrenders to Navy SEALs in Trademark Battle

By Jana Winter

Published May 25, 2011 FoxNews.com


Well, that was quick: Mickey Mouse has waved the white flag and surrendered to the real SEAL Team 6.

Disney is withdrawing its applications to trademark the name of the elite Navy squad responsible for killing Usama bin Laden, the Navy said on Wednesday.

"The Navy is committed to fully protecting our trademark rights as it pertains to this matter and will continue to examine all our legal options," Navy spokeswoman Amanda Greenberg told FoxNews.com, adding that the military continues to broaden Navy's existing portfolio.

Disney did not return numerous requests for comment.

A spokesman for the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office also did not return calls and email requests for comment.

Earlier on Wednesday, FoxNews.com reported that U.S. Navy had countered Disney's trademark applications with filings of its own.

Two days after the not-so-secret-anymore elite unit took out bin Laden, Disney filed trademark applications expressing intent to use the name "SEAL Team 6" for purposes including: entertainment and education; video games, toys, Christmas ornaments, snow globes; clothing, hats, shoes.

Ten days later, on May 23, the Navy fought back with trademark applications of its own, the first for anything indicating membership in a military organization, the second for use in the category of clothing, footwear and headwear.

But a battle of the century never materialized, as just hours after FoxNews.com's original article was published, Mickey Mouse said G-O-O-D-B-Y-E to "SEAL Team 6."

[HauntedGabe]

I enjoy most things Disney does but this one ticked me off. It was just so icky, tasteless and down right tacky. I still can't believe Disney went down that path to start with. Disappointed in their higher ups and their moral compass.

There should be a line that isn't crossed even in the pursuit of Mickey Dollars.

[BamaJenn]

I couldn't agree more. I am shocked that Disney wanted to do this, let alone tried. Without getting into the political debate, I don't think that team of Seals is something appropriately associated with kidcentric entertainment.

[NC_WDW_Daddy]

As a retired Marine, I'm kind of glad Disney gave up on this one. Coming home from Afghanistan and taking the family to Disney, I certainly didn't want to see anything about Seal Teams, Strike Forces, etc...

[kellymonaghan]

I think Disney changed its mind when the Seals dropped out of the sky in stealth choppers and shot Mickey in the face and wounded Minnie in the leg.

[HauntedGabe]

As a retired Marine, I'm kind of glad Disney gave up on this one. Coming home from Afghanistan and taking the family to Disney, I certainly didn't want to see anything about Seal Teams, Strike Forces, etc...

Exactly! And thanks for your service.

[WDW1014]

U said it NC_WDW_Daddy, Thanks for your service as well

[DAR]

Yep it was the right thing do. NC_WDW-Daddy I echo the sentiments on your service as well, thank you.