Disney isn’t winning points for cultural sensitivity this month after trying to trademark the phrase “Dia de los Muertos,” reports the Arizona Republic. The company is working on a film inspired by the centuries-old Mexican holiday, which translates to “Day of the Dead” and celebrates the spirits of ancestors. Disney filed for the trademark on May 1, standard practice ahead of a movie to protect merchandising rights, but pulled the bid yesterday amid the ensuing outcry. “How can you trademark a cultural tradition?” asks one Phoenix artist, her question summing up the common reaction. In its explanation for why it is pulling the trademark bid, Disney didn’t exactly acknowledge the criticism: “It has since been determined that the title of the film will change, and therefore we are withdrawing our trademark filing.” Disney also once tried to trademark the phrase “Seal Team 6,” but pulled the application after the military raised objections, notes the LA Times.
