Copyright and Trademark:
* Disney owns the copyright and trademark for Mickey Mouse. This means they have exclusive rights to use his image and likeness.
* Hiring a mascot that looks exactly like Mickey Mouse could be considered copyright infringement. This could lead to legal action from Disney.
Exceptions:
* Parodies and Fair Use: There are some exceptions to copyright law, like parody or fair use. This might allow you to use a similar character in a non-commercial context, like a school play or a political satire.
* Licensed Mascots: You can legally hire licensed Mickey Mouse mascots from companies authorized by Disney. These companies will have agreements with Disney that allow them to create and use official Mickey Mouse costumes.
Legal Consequences:
* If you hire an unauthorized Mickey Mouse mascot, you could face a lawsuit from Disney. They might seek damages for copyright infringement and prevent you from using the mascot.
Alternatives:
* Hire a generic mouse mascot. There are many different mouse characters available that don't infringe on Disney's copyright.
* Use a custom mascot design. You could create a unique mouse character specifically for your event.
In short, while it's not inherently illegal to hire a Mickey Mouse mascot, doing so without proper authorization from Disney could lead to legal issues. It's best to be cautious and ensure you're using licensed mascots or exploring alternative options.