Disney accused of cultural appropriation for patent on song from ‘The Lion King’

[Wingnut]

Disney has a trademark on the words “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King but a petition claims the patent is cultural appropriation.

The phrase, which translates to “No problem” or “no worries,” was made popular by the 1994 film The Lion King and has since re-emerged due to the upcoming live-action remake of the immensely popular children’s musical.

Although Disney applied for the trademark in 1994 and was approved in 2003, an activist from Zimbabwe is arguing that a culture’s language can’t and should not be patented.

Shelton Mpala launched the Change.org petition calling for Disney to release the trademark it has on Hakuna Matata likening it to “colonialism” and “robbery”.

“The appropriation of something you have no right over. Imagine, if we were to go that route, then we owe the British royalties for everyone who speaks English, or France for when we speak French,” the petition reads. “Join us and say NO to DISNEY or any corporations/individuals looking to trademark languages, terms or phrases they didn’t invent.”

https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/disney-accused-of-cultural-appropriation-for-patent-on-song-from-the-lion-king/news-story/7728d3f52afeb70fc5c24d131de27ee2