dreamfinder
Well-Known Member
The definition of legal in the US isn't the same as in CA, RU, or CN. Legal only goes as far as the local courts/legislation lets it. The courts in some countries are notorious for not caring about/enforcing other countries intellectual property laws. China for one, usually pays lip service to any IP claims. And not until you actually are in a position to help them make money (I.E. Shanghai and Hong Kong) will they care about enforcing them. If the IP owner (in this case Disney) has enough clout they may be able to get some international pressure applied, but not often. And remember that in theory, in another 11 years, the copyright on Mickey from Steamboat Willie ends. I say in theory as they have already fought for legislation extending that 4 times I believe. So if they are unable to get yet another extension, just set your Mickey Mouse themed theme park to open in 2024 and you should be all set. (You just can't use the newer versions of Mickey if I understand my armchair law correctly).
Or if you have massively deep pockets, they may very well sign a licensing deal with you to open a new park. But on the whole, at least within most developed countries that respect IP law, Disney has every conceivable form of trademark/copyright/whatnot on everything they have created. And infringing that will bring the wrath of their legal department down on you.
Or if you have massively deep pockets, they may very well sign a licensing deal with you to open a new park. But on the whole, at least within most developed countries that respect IP law, Disney has every conceivable form of trademark/copyright/whatnot on everything they have created. And infringing that will bring the wrath of their legal department down on you.
