Disney Enterprises Inc., Sanrio Co., Cartoon Network, Viacom International Inc. and Hanna-Barbera Productions have filed copyright and trademark infringement lawsuits against two downtown Los Angeles produce vendors, reports Los Angeles Times, via The Big Cartoon Database. Filed in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles in February and April, the lawsuits come as a result of the vendors’ allegedly selling pinatas having the likeness of unlicensed cartoon characters. “Our characters and our brands are the lifeblood of our business, and we are vigilant about protecting our intellectual property against illegal usage,” Viacom spokeswoman Julia Phelps states. Disney, whose characters of Winnie the Pooh, the Incredibles, and Nemo were among those featured on the pinatas, refused to comment on the pinata lawsuits.
Disney, Sanrio, Cartoon Network, Viacom, and Hanna-Barbera sue over illegal pinatas