Disney sues Miami party planners

[blackcauldron85]

http://www.mickeynews.com/News/DisplayP ... _E_888Sues

Disney Enterprises and other plaintiffs are seeking millions of dollars in damages from a Miami couple that runs Tio Fiesta Decorations and Events.
The suit is one of several filed recently by Disney to protect copyrighted trademarks, music and images.

The suit claims Tio Fiesta made money by using trademarks for costumes at children's parties, including Ariel (from "The Little Mermaid"), Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear and Chicken Little.

It also alleges that Tio Fiesta illegally used trademarks on decorations.

The suit, filed in federal court in Miami, seeks at least $100,000 for every trademark violation, and up to $1 million for each if Tio Fiesta's actions are found to be willful. An exhibit shows 29 alleged trademark infringements.

The suit also alleges copyright infringement for lesser damages.

Tio Fiesta owners Ramon and Elizabeth Morales could not be reached immediately for comment.

The company's Web site on Thursday still carried recognizable Disney character images and themes, stating: "Tio Fiesta also offers a great variety in look-a-like characters of your choice, from princesses and superheroes to cartoon characters."

The suit was filed on behalf of Disney Enterprises by attorney Michael Holihan of Maitland. Other listed plaintiffs include DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera Productions and Sanrio.

Holihan referred questions to Disney's media relations office, which could not be reached immediately for comment.

The company's website seems to have completely erased everything on its Character Shows page: http://tiofiesta.com/charactershows.html

[DisneyPrincess]

I understand that companies want their money (God forbid you don't buy the trademark stuff from The Disney Store), but at the same time- asking for millions is a little much. I mean, it's not like Disney or any of the other listed companies are hurting or anything.

[blackcauldron85]

http://thedisneyblog.com/2008/08/11/dis ... copyright/

This article has 2 pictures- one of "Ariel", and one of "Woody" and "Buzz".

I agree with the comments at the bottom of the article- if Disney does't win these lawsuits, other companies will think it's okay to produce fake Disney entertainment, and some people honestly don't know that these companies' parties have nothing to do with Disney, and the people may think that Disney's quality has gone down.