Two entertainment titans that are probably known best in Florida for their massive theme parks have some partnerships that involve shared intellectual property (IP) – at least for theme park attractions. What IP each company can use determines what visitors to Disney World, Universal Studios Florida and the companies’ other properties can experience – and how many tickets they sell.
For example, Universal has maintained the rights to Marvel characters like the X-Men and Spider-man even though Disney purchased Marvel after its competitor acquired those rights. The legalities around what characters each corporation can use in their theme are complex (and certainly confusing to visitors).
What’s the future for “The Simpsons” attractions?
Disney owns the rights to that iconic cartoon family “The Simpsons.” However, Universal has licensed the right to use the characters in its theme parks. That deal expires in 2028.
It’s not clear, however, what the less distant future holds for “The Simpsons Ride” at Universal’s parks in Florida and California. The ride here in Florida could use some updates and repairs. There’s speculation that those aren’t being made because Universal (which is owned by Comcast) could be preparing to let it go. Disney wants to add “Simpsons” features to its Hollywood Studios, which would require ending the deal with Universal early. Those who watch theme parks for a living say it could happen before the end of this year.
Both companies are quiet on the IP-related deals that would impact their attractions, since they don’t want guests putting off vacations until a particular one is in place. The marketing for new theme park features – and definitely for new theme parks – creates anticipation that can mean big business when they open.
Universal IP will be out in full force at Epic Universe
Universal has plenty of its own IP as well as other licensing deals that give it a lot to work with as it opens yet another Florida theme park — Epic Universe. Set to open next year, it will make four Florida theme parks for the company and the its largest in the country.
It will include “lands” devoted to Frankenstein, Dracula and Wolf Man as well as Super Nintendo World and another destination for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The latter two aren’t Universal IP, but the company has the rights to use them in its theme parks.
Oftentimes, companies do best when they can reach mutually beneficial agreements related to IP rather than battle it out. With experienced legal guidance, businesses of any size can better decide which approach to use.