Disney recently filed some ten trademark applications for the mark DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (like this one, for example). Within a week, Disney expressly abandoned the applications, claiming that it had decided to change the name of its upcoming animated movie inspired by the Dia de los Muertos Mexican holiday. Speculation is, of course, that Disney succumbed to the public pressure it received after trying to trademark the name of a holiday.
Regardless of why Disney changed its mind so quickly, this quote from our very own Michael Campillo was featured on the front page of the Arizona Republic yesterday:
“It seems odd that they would go out of their way to upset the consuming public,” he said, “a large part of which they’re trying to court for business.” Michael Campillo.
Well said.
The story was picked up by NPR, USA TODAY, and laundry list of news outlets across the country.