A middle school coed softball team is followed as they get ready to compete for a championship in Win or Lose, the first original series from Pixar Animation Studios.
The Pickles are the team’s name.
Additionally, that might have put Pixar and its parent company, Disney, in a bit of a (legal) bind.
The actual PicklesThe owner of the Portland collegiate summer league baseball team, Alan Miller, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he is thinking of pursuing legal action against Disney and Pixar for allegedly exploiting their trademarks without authorization in the animated series, which premiered on February 19.
In a social media post, the Pickles said, “We regret to inform you that Dillon T. Pickle is absolutely devastated by the release of this series.” He genuinely believed that they represented joy, admired Disney, and trusted in the power of magic. However, there was no phone contact, email, or even a pathetic fax. No carrier pigeon with a small scroll requesting permission to use our marks, no DM, no Snap, and no cooperation.
Naturally, the Portland Pickles’ well-liked mascot is Dillon T. Pickle. Since the organization’s founding in 2015, his antics and social media stunts have gone viral multiple times, bringing the team, along with its distinctive moniker and mascot, to the attention of the country. The wood-bat team, which won its inaugural West Coast League title last summer, was the subject of an hour-long documentary broadcast by the MLB Network earlier this month.
Did the fictional middle school Pickles, with their uniforms and emblem evoking the Portland Pickles, draw inspiration from the attention garnered by Dillon T. Pickle’s antics? The Oregonian/OregonLive sent a general press inquiry email to Disney, but the company did not reply to many requests for comment.
The Portland Pickles’ (left) and the baseball team’s (right) logos from Pixar’s upcoming series Win or Lose.Teresa Mahoney (left)/Pixar (right) via courtesy
Miller, however, asserted that he never gave Disney authorization to utilize his team’s emblem.
Miller told The Oregonian/OregonLive, “We completely understand Dillon’s frustration.” It’s funny that before stealing our trademarks, no one thought to give us a ring. Now, the organization is considering every possibility, including the ones we shouldn’t have to.
An animated character from Pixar’s recently launched series, “Win or Lose.”A screenshot
The narrative of the fictional Pickles is chronicled in the long-form serial Win or Lose throughout the week preceding their championship game. In eight 20-minute episodes, a separate character’s point of view is presented, revealing their own feelings and personal struggles as they navigate the same circumstances.
The imaginary softball team in the series’ trailer is dressed in green and white clothes that seem to be a nod to the Portland Pickles. The fictitious coach also wears a green hat and a white and green polo shirt with a pickle emblem that looks like the real one, including what looks to be a dark blue hat.
Would Miller and the Pickles have a good case if they went to court?
Leigh Gill, an intellectual property lawyer in Portland, stated, “I’d hesitate to say one way or another.” However, if you look at it, there can be some initial uncertainty. One could argue that this is perplexing and possibly harmful by pointing to the massive media empire. I’m not sure if it’s harmful. More evaluation would be necessary. However, given how close it seems, someone familiar with the Portland Pickles would assume that this is a fictitious endorsement.
The use of a symbol or emblem to assist customers differentiate a company’s goods from those of its competitors is governed by trademark law.
Gill couldn’t help but notice the resemblance to the actual Dill when he was sent a digital picture of the fictional Pickles coach from the Win or Lose trailer.
According to Gill, the goal of trademark law is to keep consumers from being confused about the origin of the goods or services. Will folks be perplexed if they watch this and be curious about the Disney presentation? In which direction does it go? Was this team formed by Disney? Was there approval? Everything is a little unclear.
When looking at the image, the mascot’s blue helmet with its color and distinctive feature truly sticks out as being a lot like the Portland Pickles mascot.
And now, three months before the 2025 season begins, that mascot is in shock over Disney’s seeming deceit.
In that social media post, the Pickles, referring to Dillon T. Pickle, stated, “Now, he sits in silence, questioning everything.” How could he have been so cruelly deceived? One tear is streaming down his cheek, pickle-shaped and extremely salty. He’s hoping for a way to bring back the magic.
503-294-5183 | @BlazerFreeman|@freemanjoe.bsky.social| Joe Freeman|[email protected]| Get the newest news and the best stories by subscribing to The Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts.
