The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against a Hong Kong-based business for allegedly using Mickey Mouse without permission in a jewelry collection.
The case was submitted on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in a federal court in Los Angeles.
The lawsuit targets the Red Earth Group, which sells jewelry online under the brand name Satéur.
Disney claims that the company's "Mickey 1928 Collection" uses Mickey Mouse images in a way that tricks buyers into believing the items are officially linked to Disney.
According to AP, Disney's legal team argues that Satéur's designs—including rings, necklaces, and earrings—make it appear as if Disney approved or partnered in the project.
They also say that the product descriptions appeal to Disney fans by calling the items great for "Disney enthusiasts."
According to Disney, this strategy is misleading. "Red Earth intends to present Mickey Mouse as its own brand identifier," the lawsuit states. It also claims the company is using the Disney brand's popularity to sell more products.
Disney sues Hong Kong company it says is selling illegal Mickey Mouse jewelry https://t.co/w0g0RsUo1A pic.twitter.com/49KqkHko4Z
— Toronto Sun (@TheTorontoSun) July 17, 2025
Disney Takes Legal Action Against Satéur's Mickey-Themed Jewelry
The jewelry collection's name, "Mickey 1928," refers to Mickey Mouse's first appearance in the cartoon "Steamboat Willie."
That version of Mickey entered the US public domain in 2024 when the copyright expired.
However, Disney says it still owns trademark rights, which protect the character's image and branding in the marketplace.
A key piece in the collection, the "Satéur Mickey 1928 Classique Ring," includes a small Mickey charm modeled after Steamboat Willie, holding a synthetic stone, NDTV said. Disney says this is a clear example of how the brand is being used without permission.
The lawsuit explains the difference between copyright and trademark. While the original cartoon is now public domain, Disney's trademarks prevent other companies from using Mickey Mouse in ways that suggest an official connection with Disney.
In a public statement, Disney said, "Disney remains committed to guarding against unlawful trademark infringement and protecting consumers from confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey Mouse and our other iconic characters."
Disney is asking the court to stop Red Earth from selling the jewelry and to order the company to pay damages. As of now, Red Earth Group has not responded to the lawsuit.
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