Disney Is Suing a Pair of Ear Makers, Now Hundreds of Annual Passes Are at Risk

There’s almost nothing you can’t find on the internet. The worldwide web is a treasure trove of merchandise to fit the needs of any fandom. This is especially true when it comes to Disney merchandise. Sure, you can get a ton of great merch at the theme parks, but there is even more to be found from small sellers online. For the most part, Disney leaves those sellers alone. However, there are some who try to become really well-known, which puts them on Disney’s radar. Then, Disney will send cease-and-desist letters, telling the sellers they are committing copyright infringement.

One of those sellers is Christopher Martin, who runs the site Sparkling Dreamers. Chris does make mouse ears that are bejeweled and unique, but he also makes ears that are clearly Disney-themed. According to multiple reports and sources, Disney had sent Martin and his wife, Hannah Martin, several cease-and-desist letters, telling them to stop selling copyrighted merchandise. Martin and his wife then shut down their website, but began a new one and told buyers to go there. Disney had enough and decided to sue Martin.

Now, it appears that Martin may not be the only one Disney has its sights set on. TikToker Duchess (@violettarantula), those who advertised Martin’s ears while at Disney Parks, may have their Annual Passes revoked by Disney. Multiple exhibits were used in the lawsuit, featuring a number of Guests wearing Martin’s ears. Per the Annual Pass agreement that these Guests signed, they are not allowed to advertise the ears on social media. Simply wearing the ears to the Parks is fine, but sharing pictures of the ears and where to get them violates their contract.

@violettarantula

Replying to @wdwpassholder The Martin’s are not being transparent with their members. #sparklingmembers #sparklingdreamers #christophermartin #hannahmartin #disneylawsuit #toxicdisneyfan #disney #disneyinfluencer #greenscreen

♬ Frolic (Theme from “Curb Your Enthusiasm” TV Show) – Luciano Michelini

A few weeks ago, Martin revealed that, in addition to being sued by the House of Mouse, he and his wife had also been banned from visiting all Disney theme parks. He said that Disney banned him for violating the terms of his Annual Pass. He also said that he was being accused of purchasing Disney merchandise with his Annual Pass discount and then reselling it. Martin denies that he resold merchandise he bought from Disney. However, many followers say that he is lying and has resold merchandise.

Martin and his wife have hired an attorney and plan on fighting not only the Annual Pass ban, but the copyright infringement claims as well.