Disney Merch Line on Hold After 'Let It Go' Trademark Holdup

By Brendan Menapace

If you've seen "Frozen" once (or even never saw it at all), you probably know the chorus of "Let It Go." The song, sung by Idina Menzel's character Elsa, is probably the most famous on the soundtrack, which makes it even more crazy that Disney likely won't be able to use the phrase on its upcoming line of "Frozen" merchandise due to some pesky trademark law.

According to The Blast, Disney Enterprises had its 2018 trademark application for the phrase "Let It Go" suspended by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, claiming it was too similar to the "Let It Go" application filed by someone else to use on apparel in 2017.

EXCLUSIVE: Disney fighting for 'Frozen' merchandise.https://t.co/NWeNXJId8t

— The Blast (@TheBlastNews) February 9, 2019

That previous applicant, Leigh Burton, seems to just be taking advantage of the famous "you snooze, you lose," legal loophole after probably noticing that Disney hadn't trademarked the phrase despite children and adults belting out the chorus since the movie's 2013 release.

However, Disney is currently fighting Burton's application, claiming they've been using the phrase in the marketplace since 2013. This would be quite the David vs. Goliath victory for Burton if she were to win against Disney, but my money is on the Mouse in this one.

In the meantime, it's crazy to think that it took this long for Disney to apply for a trademark on the title. "Frozen" was an international phenomenon, and this was its marquee song (and lyric). But, it makes sense that Disney is doing everything it can to stop Burton and cash in on what's pretty much rightfully theirs.

After all, it'd be pretty foolish of them to … *clears throat* … let it go.