Disney Trademarks Seal Team 6 Two Days After SEAL Team 6 Kills Bin Laden

from the you-have-to-be-kidding-me dept

Disney has a reputation of taking material from elsewhere and making it its own, but this is quite bizarre. Apparently two days after the Navy SEALs Team 6 was responsible for killing Osama bin Laden, Disney applied for a trademark on Seal Team 6 to cover clothing, toys, games, video games, and entertainment and education services, among a few other areas as well. Now, it is true that Disney has been working on a movie about seals, but the timing still seems pretty suspicious. I wonder if the Navy SEALs themselves will file a protest. I would imagine that you generally don't want to be on the other side of a dispute with Navy SEALs. But isn't trademark law great? It lets you claim "ownership" over a term closely related to big national events despite having nothing to do with them whatsoever. Still, Disney's move here isn't even quite as bad as gun maker Beretta, who not only patted itself on the back for the killing of bin Laden, it apparently missed out on the fact that the SEALs apparently use Sig Sauers instead of Berettas.
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Filed Under: seal team six, trademark
Companies: disney


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  1. icon
    Dark Helmet (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 7:53am

    Did you not get the memo?

    Announcing Disney's latest animated feature: Alladin 2 - The Reckoning.

    We'll be taken on a musical romp through Alladin's rule over Pakistan's tribal reasons until Genie gives him up to Seal Team 6 and Buzz Lightyear puts a bullet in his face.

    ....Rated G.

    And this one really WILL have subliminal messages placed in the background, but it won't be telling good teenagers to take their clothes off. Rather, it'll be an oddly toned reading of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

    Disney is weird....

    link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 8:01am

    Well, there goes Counter-Strike.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  3. icon
    Dark Helmet (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:01am

    Re: Did you not get the memo?

    *regions....

    link to this | view in thread ]

  4. identicon
    Call me Al, 16 May 2011 @ 8:02am

    New Disney Movie

    I'm really looking forward to this new Disney movie. The events in Pakistan reproduced in stunning 3D animation... with actual seals as Seals Team 6. Though sadly I'd expect the musical numbers to be a little out of tune.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  5. icon
    The eejit (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:04am

    Re: Did you not get the memo?

    Maybe they need it for Pirates of the Caribbean 5: Osama's Revenge.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  6. identicon
    That Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 8:09am

    ICE is just a division of Disney, why not the Seals as well?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  7. identicon
    John Thompson, 16 May 2011 @ 8:19am

    SEAL Team Six

    Wonder if the author of the book "SEAL Team Six" Howard E. Wasdin can sue Disney. His book was published May 2011.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  8. icon
    Comboman (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:20am

    From the makers of G-Force.....

    From the studio that brought you "G-Force" and "Air Bud 12: Death from Above" comes...

    _Seal Team 6_

    They were just six happy-go-lucky sea lions with a talent for mischief, but when their country needed them, they answered the call.

    featuring the voices of
    Kiefer Sutherland as Sgt. Barky
    Samuel L Jackson as Lt. Snappy
    Angelina Jolie as Lt. Splashy
    Ernest Borgnine as Lt. Grumpy
    and Jack Black as Private Slappy

    Coming to theaters Christmas 2011.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  9. icon
    buck lateral (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:27am

    I wonder how long it will take for you clowns to download it for free?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  10. identicon
    Danny, 16 May 2011 @ 8:28am

    Re: Re: Did you not get the memo?

    Well it is possible to ressurect people in the Pirates of the Caribbean fiction...

    Of course there will plenty of jokes over the fact that Osama was a desert based terriorst but now has to come to terms with being a water based terrorist.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  11. icon
    Dark Helmet (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:30am

    Re: From the makers of G-Force.....

    I prefer to have Sam Jackson as the SEALs dolphin water-mines specialist.

    "Sonar, motha fucka, do you SPEAK it!!???"

    link to this | view in thread ]

  12. icon
    Berenerd (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:35am

    Re:

    I already have it before the editing....

    link to this | view in thread ]

  13. identicon
    That Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 8:36am

    Re:

    that depends on the speed offered by the individual providers and any limitations on monthly bandwidth.

    But since your talking about a nonexistent film, poof already done. Imagination... its awesome... you should get some :)

    link to this | view in thread ]

  14. icon
    Rikuo (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:45am

    Re: SEAL Team Six

    Not really. Trademarks are only to be used in commerce. If Disney were to release a book called Seals Team 6, then yes, they'd have a problem, but as it stands, they'll be free to produce other material.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  15. identicon
    Danny, 16 May 2011 @ 8:49am

    Re: From the makers of G-Force.....

    Make CCH Pounder, Nicholas Cage, Helen Mirren, and Vin Disel the villains and I'll watch it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  16. icon
    cc (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:57am

    Re: Re: From the makers of G-Force.....

    Only if Helen Mirren plays Osama.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  17. icon
    Dark Helmet (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 8:59am

    Re: Re: Re: From the makers of G-Force.....

    No way. He'd be an acting rookie, but the only person in the world who should play OBL is Scottie Pippen....

    link to this | view in thread ]

  18. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 9:02am

    Re: Did you not get the memo?

    They already made two sequels to the Aladdin movie.

    1994 - The Return of Jafar
    1996 - Aladdin and the King of Thieves

    None of them are "Aladdin 2" in name, though.

    /weird aside

    link to this | view in thread ]

  19. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 9:09am

    Re: Did you not get the memo?

    Umm... the Elders of Zion thing would probably be enough to get Mr. Disney to rise from his grave like a zombie and kill everyone.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  20. icon
    Rikuo (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 9:18am

    Re:

    Clowns? That's odd, I'm not wearing a clown costume nor have I ever been a clown, except maybe back when I was in school...
    As for downloading it for free, who knows? Maybe Disney will release it deliberately for free, as a sort of documentary (well, one can always hope, right?)

    link to this | view in thread ]

  21. icon
    Spaceboy (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 9:21am

    Re:

    Maybe SEAL Team 6 will become the IP Enforcement arm of Disney.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  22. identicon
    PuperScuper, 16 May 2011 @ 9:21am

    Hmm

    I understand private entities using the name, but how can one so claim control over a government entity?

    So, am I allowed to:
    1) trademark DHS and ICE "for use in file-sharing sites"?
    2) use that trademark to take down the pages that ICE puts up when taking down a 'baaaad' music review blog?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  23. icon
    Greg G (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 9:23am

    Re: Re: Re: Re: From the makers of G-Force.....

    hahaha agreed@Scottie Pippen

    link to this | view in thread ]

  24. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 9:42am

    Re:

    I already have a copy.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  25. identicon
    nnuuunnnyyyaa, 16 May 2011 @ 9:47am

    Re: Hmm

    There is no seal team six.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  26. identicon
    DogBreath, 16 May 2011 @ 9:54am

    Cue the suing of the Star Trek fansite listed in this news story link, by Disney for "Trademark Infringement", in 3...2...1

    http://trekmovie.com/2011/05/06/geman-tv-fail-star-treks-maquis-not-involved-in-bin-laden-mission/

    I'm sure the Disney lawyers motto of: "Sue First, Change The Law If You Don't Win In Court", will apply in this case.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  27. identicon
    NullOp, 16 May 2011 @ 10:01am

    Disney

    Disney has found a way to appropriate the SEAL Team 6 logo for clothing and toys? This is the most openly greedy move I have seen in years! No doubt Disney will claim that this is a way to promote our Armed Forces, etc. But, in reality, it's a way to line Disney's pockets! Period, case closed! Oh, and by-the-way Disney, your actions trivialize all the SEAL teams and all the other elite forces in our military!

    This is one of those "Day before yesterday" cases where, essentially, no one knew SEAL 6 from God's house cat yesterday. And now that they have done something which has become front page news everyone wants to identify with them. In essence, steal their "glory".

    If Disney gets their way I can visualize the masses wearing SEAL Team 6 clothing. The problem is, they didn't earn the right to do so! So many people think by wearing the brand it entitles them to the respect. Well, it doesn't! Some things in life MUST be earned. Period! I, personally, would like to wear RANGER or SPECIAL FORCES gear. I tried to enlist in '68 to go into SF. Problem is, I was 4F. So, I DON'T wear anything associated with military service. Not even a simple ARMY t-shirt because I didn't earn it!

    I'll be writing my representatives about this issue and I hope it is only a rumor. God knows the net has enough of those!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  28. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 10:18am

    The is nothing illegal about what Disney is doing, and it does not point to a flaw in trademark law.

    Nevertheless, I find it disgusting for any person or company to try and turn a quick buck on the backs of what these men did in the service of our country. They will forever remain anonymous and go about their daily lives as members of the Navy. No Disney parades for them. Just the quiet satisfaction of knowing they did something important.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  29. icon
    barrywolk (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 10:28am

    Last year I trademarked the number '6', so this entire thread is MOOT!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  30. identicon
    OC, 16 May 2011 @ 10:40am

    As a side effect on IP law, on future Seal Team 6 missions all team members will be required to be dressed as Donald Duck, Goofy or Micky Mouse.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  31. identicon
    DogBreath, 16 May 2011 @ 10:44am

    Timing is everything...

    If only they had taken out Osama back in 2009... then Disney could have named the lamp they were selling, "Seal Team Six", and the Luxo lamp trademark lawsuit would never have happened because everyone knows Disney respects others legal rights (as long as it doesn't interfere with Disney's profits).

    Disney Sued For Selling The Pixar Lamp... And The Lawsuit Makes Sense
    http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090911/0410026165.shtml

    link to this | view in thread ]

  32. icon
    Jay (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 10:51am

    Re:

    In the same amount of time that it takes to have Disney sue for drawing a seal with a huge 6 on it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  33. icon
    harbingerofdoom (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 10:58am

    Re:

    its disney... this surprises you.....how exactly?

    to be honest, id be more surprised if they DIDNT try to exploit this financially.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  34. icon
    The eejit (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 11:19am

    Re: Re: Did you not get the memo?

    Technically, in the EU, The Return of Jafar had the "Aladdin 2: ~" prefix.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  35. icon
    The eejit (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 11:21am

    Re:

    I made it. Unfortunately, it's stored on Sony's old login servers...

    link to this | view in thread ]

  36. identicon
    Lurking Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 11:22am

    More Disney trademark violations here:

    link to this | view in thread ]

  37. icon
    CK (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 11:28am

    Re:

    Do a google image search and the first 357 frames are already up, it's a bitch downloading frame by frame, but I should have it all by in just a few minutes.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  38. identicon
    That Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 12:12pm

    Re: Re:

    Thats what you get for having to have it in High Def...

    bonus points for anyone who gets the reference.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  39. icon
    Vincent Clement (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 12:33pm

    Re: SEAL Team Six

    Disney will probably sue the author. Nothing must get in the way of the Disney juggernaut.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  40. identicon
    John Doe, 16 May 2011 @ 1:31pm

    Re: Re: SEAL Team Six

    You don't seem to have a good grasp of trademark law. A trademark gives you the right for use in all markets for all times. Just ask Monster Cable, they will tell you.

    /sarcasm

    link to this | view in thread ]

  41. identicon
    Lawrence D'Oliveiro, 16 May 2011 @ 2:38pm

    Re: The is nothing illegal about what Disney is doing, and it does not point to a flaw in trademark law. Nevertheless ...

    ... there is, and it does.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  42. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 16 May 2011 @ 3:14pm

    time to add Disney to the boycott list.

    very shady for a company that is supposed to stand for family and children.


    PROTEST!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  43. icon
    Rikuo (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 3:37pm

    Re: Disney

    The scary thing about your argument is that it can also be said by Disney.
    "Want to get respect? You can only get it from wearing Seal Team 6 Clothing, this new brand from Disney! Who deserves the right to wear it? Why, only those who pay us!"

    link to this | view in thread ]

  44. icon
    btr1701 (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 7:37pm

    Paramount

    Kinda reminds me of when Paramount sued the US Navy years ago because they were selling caps and t-shirts with "USS Enterprise" on them. Paramount didn't like the Navy competing with their Star Trek products.

    If I recall correctly Paramount had its ass soundly kicked in court over that and was told the Navy's Enterprise pre-dated their spaceship version by a couple hundred years and they should basically just learn to deal with it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  45. icon
    Ray Trygstad (profile), 16 May 2011 @ 9:41pm

    A common-law trademark already exists...

    While the U.S. government cannot copyright material they produce, they certainly can hold trademarks. I think the U.S. Navy would have a very strong case to argue that they already hold a common-law trademark on SEAL Team Six.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  46. identicon
    neons angel, 17 May 2011 @ 12:51am

    Re: Disney

    I think its fine. Disney has done great things for the armed forces in the past. Just having a trademark for one thing isnt using it. Two - nullop are you really throwing a fit over the army shirts? Where some would agree many of us dont care. Its a sign of support. The kids in my family all have acu uniforms they play in. Have for years. Relax a little.

    Disney does things for adults. It isnt just kids and they do documentries. So long as they are respectful i see no issue.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  47. icon
    FarmerBob (profile), 17 May 2011 @ 2:20am

    Disney is one of three looking to TM. And it sounds like they were not the first to file.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  48. icon
    anymouse (profile), 17 May 2011 @ 1:19pm

    Re:

    Trademarking, copyrighting, and patenting (as nuclear stockpiles against future litigation):

    Seal Team 1-5 & 7 thru infinity
    Special Forces Team 1 thru infinity
    Green Beret Team 1 thru infinity
    Medic Team 1 thru infinity
    Army Team 1 thru infinity
    Navy Team 1 thru infinity
    Air Force Team 1 thru infinity
    Marine Team 1 thru infinity
    JAFO

    Sure it doesn't make much sense right now.... but just wait until one of them does 'something big' I'll be cashing in on licensing, or litigating the pants off someone....

    Is this really what things are coming to?

    link to this | view in thread ]


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