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Hmmm, is the term "Mickey Mouse" trademarked?

As in, would a new name be needed for any new "Mickey Mouse" animation created using the old Steamboat Willie (mouse) character?

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Mickey Mouse is trademarked as a word and as a picture and all kinds of derivatives like the silhouette of his head or the design of the eared hats. You can't use him as a symbol of your business or to suggest that your product comes from Disney, but none of that will stop you from making a new creative work featuring Mickey as he appeared in Steamboat Willie any more than McDonald's can stop you from writing a book where characters eat a Happy Meal.

Makes sense, thanks. :)

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