Re: use, plus Disney mystery

I've got to side with Walter on this one. A trademark is useless if you end up in court with a proven track record of allowing use without permission. Look at the Calvin peeing stickers that were on all those trucks back int he '90s.

I'm no Disney fan, but I've seen some pretty horrible renditions (knock offs) of Disney characters painted by amateur artists in small town daycares and restaurants.

Disney's licensing depends on strict quality control. Their business is all about image control. A Mickey with big teeth sticking out or eyes drawn too large (or worse, one drawn in the act of doing something "unethical") tarnishes - or at least cheapens - the image of not only the character, but the larger company which it iconicly represents.

If the daycare really wants Disney images on their wall, (ugh!) Disney makes it pretty easy to buy decals that are officially licensed. As long as they aren't using those images to advertise or promote their own enterprise, Disney would be happy.