Judge denies Caterpillar request to block Disney release

A federal judge refused Caterpillar’s request to block last week’s release of Disney’s “George of the Jungle 2” so that the equipment maker’s name and logo could be edited out. Caterpillar filed a trademark infringement lawsuit Oct. 14, saying its reputation would be damaged because the company’s machine’s are linked to the movie’s villains. In denying the temporary restraining order, Chief U.S. District Judge Joe McDade said there is no sign Disney tried to “somehow poach” on Caterpillar’s trademarks to drive up sales of the movie – one of the requirements for trademark infringement. Caterpillar said Disney used its trademarks in a negative light contrary to the company’s commitments to the environment, social responsibility and sustainable development.