John Oliver has taunted Disney by announcing Mickey Mouse as Last Week Tonight’s new mascot.
The comedian made the move as the character’s copyright, which he called “a closely guarded corporate treasure”, will soon become public property for the first time in 95 years.
In the past, when Disney was about to lose the copyright, it passed a bill that saw it extend its hold over the recognisable Steamboat Willie logo, showing Mickey Mouse at the ship’s wheel.
“It does feel like a tactical legal move,” Oliver said, adding: “Basically, they may argue that this early Mickey’s image is so closely associated with their company that people automatically assume that any image of him was produced or authorised by them and still take legal action.
“The fact is anyone wanting to use the Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse will probably still be taking a risk.” micky mouse shirts
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