Disney has taken legal action against a Hong Kong company, alleging the company to be illegally selling jewelry featuring the copyrighted character, Mickey Mouse.
The Walt Disney Company has taken legal action against the Red Earth Group, a Hong Kong-based jewelry company, for selling unauthorized Mickey Mouse-themed jewelry. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles on July 16, 2025, targets Red Earth's online brand Satéur and its "Mickey 1928 Collection."
Disney alleges that Satéur is intentionally trying to confuse consumers into believing the jewelry is officially licensed Disney merchandise or part of a partnership with Disney. The company claims that Satéur uses Mickey Mouse as its own brand identifier and seeks to trade on the recognizability and goodwill of Disney's iconic character.
The lawsuit renews attention partly because the original version of Mickey Mouse (Steamboat Willie) entered the public domain last year. However, Disney still holds trademark rights over other versions and uses of Mickey. Naming the collection "Mickey 1928 Collection" is specifically pointed out by Disney as misleading and infringing.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop Red Earth from using the Mickey Mouse trademark in unauthorized ways, as well as monetary damages to be determined later. The case reflects Disney's ongoing efforts to actively safeguard its intellectual property related to Mickey Mouse despite some elements entering the public domain, highlighting the complexity of trademark and copyright issues around iconic characters.
In the lawsuit, Disney claims that Satéur's marketing efforts extensively trade on the Mickey Mouse trademarks and the Disney brand, creating an impression that suggests, at a minimum, a partnership or collaboration with Disney. The centerpiece of the Sateur "Mickey 1928 Collection" is the "Sateur Mickey 1928 Classique Ring," featuring a Steamboat Willie charm.
This case is one to watch as it may shape how companies protect and enforce trademark rights on characters entering the public domain but still having trademark protections. The lawsuit is indicative of Disney's commitment to guarding against unlawful trademark infringement and protecting consumers from confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey Mouse and other iconic characters.
The Walt Disney Company, based in Burbank, California, is pursuing legal action against Seattle-based Satéur, a jewelry brand, for its "Mickey 1928 Collection." Disney alleges that the collection, specifically the "Sateur Mickey 1928 Classique Ring" that features a Steamboat Willie charm, intentionally attempts to mislead consumers into believing it is officially licensed Disney merchandise or part of a partnership. This lawsuit underscores Disney's commitment to safeguarding its finance, intellectual property, and brand reputation in the entertainment industry.
