Happy Halloween! Zombie Cinderella Devours Disney Cinderella

After an initial refusal, the Trademark Office has decided to allow the ZOMBIE CINDERELLA trademark, saying it does not conflict with Disney’s Cinderella trademark. United Trademark Holdings, Inc. had applied for the trademark in connection with its “Once Upon a Zombie” line of dolls that turns fairytale princesses into zombies, including Snow White, Belle, and Pocahontas.

The applicant was able to successfully appeal the initial refusal by arguing that the story of Cinderella has existed since before Disney’s trademark and is an established part of our culture beyond its Disney version. Among other factors, since the preceding language to Cinderella, “Walt Disney” and “Zombie” is substantially different, the Trademark Office decided to permit registration.

Click here to see the zombie dolls.