A battle between Deadmau5 and Disney is brewing, after a claim from the Ontario-born electronic dance music DJ alleges that the company used his music on its website without permission. Disney denies the claim, and says the track was appropriately licenced.
Deadmau5, whose real name is Joel Zimmerman, tweeted out a copy of a letter on Thursday from his lawyers at LaPolt Law firm to Disney.
The letter claims that Disney uploaded a cartoon video called "Ghosts 'n' Stuff – Re- Micks" that is infringing on the artist's copyrights.
"The exclusive rights owner by Zimmerman in the Master are being infringed on the Disney website as of Sept. 4, 2014," the letter reads.
Deadmau5's lawyers say that the music producer/performer was the exclusive songwriter of "Ghosts 'n' Stuff" and was granted exclusive rights to the composition. The song was released as a single from Deadmau5's 2009 studio album "For Lack of a Better Name."
"Accordingly, not only is Disney violating the rights of Zimmerman, but it is also infringing upon the rights of EMI Music Publishing limited, Virgin Records Limited, and Ultra Records, LLC."
The letter asks Disney to remove or disable access to the video within two business days of receipt of the letter. "If Disney does not comply with this demand, our client will be forced to pursue any and all legal or equitable remedies which our client may have against you," it says.
In a statement to CTVNews.ca, a Disney spokesperson said the company had obtained all the necessary permissions to use the track. "The music was appropriately licensed, and there is no merit to his statement," the company said.
The letter comes days after Deadmau5 said Disney filed a document opposing his application to have his mouse head logo trademarked in the U.S. because of its likeness to Mickey Mouse.
In addition to using the logo on his merchandise, Deadmau5 also wears a LED helmet version of it during his shows.
lets test a theory, it takes em 10 years to oppose a trademark, lets see how long it takes em to take down a video.
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) September 4, 2014
Earlier this week, Deadmau5 announced on Twitter that Disney had filed an opposition to his trademark application. "Landed home to some interesting news: Looks like Disney officially just filed opposition of my trademark … Lawyer up Mickey," he said.
Deadmau5 later tweeted his anger over the dispute.
Disney thinks you might confuse an established electronic musician / performer with a cartoon mouse. That's how stupid they think you are.
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) September 3, 2014
In the email from Disney, a spokesperson said the company works to protect all of its trademark rights.
"Disney vigorously protects its trademark rights, and we oppose Mr. Zimmerman’s attempt to register a logo that is nearly identical to our trademarks for his commercial exploitation," the statement said. "Our opposition is not about the use of the Deadmau5 costume."
