Mouse Phone totally disregards Mickey trademark

From the same e-tailer that brought you the CECT Wrist comes a not-exactly-Disney-approved handset that looks strangely similar to that really famous rodent. Yes friends, the Mouse Phone makes exactly zero mention of Disney in the description (yet slaps a logo on the inside), undoubtedly plans on playing $0.00 in royalties and even tries to dodge that ever-vigilant legal team by slanting the eyes and throwing on a Mii-style schnoz. The flip-open mobile features GSM connectivity, a 1.3-inch 160 x 128 resolution display, FM tuner, a built-in multimedia player and a 1.3-megapixel camera. Oh, and a wickedly exotic lanyard, too. All that for just £115.74 ($229) -- get one while they're still on sale!

[Via Gizmodiva]

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2008 9:33AM]

To be honest, though, the trademark on Mickey Mouse would have expired (multiple times over), except that Congress keeps on extending the trademark period every time Mickey comes close to being in the public domain.

They (congress) have recently been challenged in the courts about what amounts to a "perpertual" trademark, and sooner or later, Congress will balk at Disney's request, and Mickey will be public domain. It's already been over 100 years, let the trademark expire already.

While the law is the law, it's being abused (or pushed beyond its intended purpose) by Congress at the behest of Disney, I think.