How Do You Feel about Disney Trademarking the Phrase “Hakuna Matata”?

My Perspective:

I feel quite elated about Disney trademarking the Swahili phrase “hakuna matata.” The phrase's significance and its growing usage inspire me to appreciate the African language even more. For those unfamiliar, “hakuna matata” simply means “no worries” in Swahili—a term that resonates deeply with many. I have a profound personal connection to “Hakuna Matata” as the catchphrase from Disney's The Lion King; I often use it when I'm stressing, finding comfort in the notion of not worrying. Thus, I believe their trademarking is understandable, as they did author it and hence have the right to protect it.

Why this Is Fine

Many argue that it's appropriate for Disney to trademark “hakuna matata” because they did write it, and therefore, they shouldn’t face criticism. Given that the phrase is part of their copyrighted work, they have a duty to ensure consumers are aware that when they purchase a Lions King-themed product featuring “Hakuna Matata,” it was indeed created by Disney. This aligns with the core principles of a trademark: to protect brand value and ensure authenticity.

However, the core misunderstanding lies in the scope of the trademark. Using the phrase in a personal or non-commercial context, as I did in writing this article, is acceptable because it operates outside the trademark's domain. The real issue comes from using it on merchandise without due credit. The confusion arises because the phrase's widespread usage and the Lion King's popularity make it seem as though trademarking “hakuna matata” is against the public interest.

Disney's Rights and Responsibilities

Disney's decision to trademark “Hakuna Matata” isn't arbitrary. The phrase is a key component of their copyrighted material, and protecting it aligns with their responsibilities as a content creator. When a trademark is filed for a product or phrase, it signifies that the owner has the right to control the use of that phrase or design. In the case of “Hakuna Matata” on merchandise, it ensures that consumers are getting authentic and high-quality products from Disney, maintaining the brand's integrity and collective value.

Here's the specimen used in the filing:

And another example from the filing:

Public Misunderstanding and Clarification

Many people, including myself, were initially skeptical about the trademarking of “Hakuna Matata.” The public often conflates the phrase with general usage, leading to the belief that it's somehow acceptable to use the phrase freely. However, a trademark is only relevant and enforceable when it is used in a commercial setting, where it could create confusion about the origin or quality of the product.

Take Apple as an example: you can freely use the word “apple” in a sentence without Apple being able to sue you. The same logic applies to “Hakuna Matata.” Since it’s a phrase used in a copyrighted work, it only becomes a trademark issue when used to describe a product for sale.

Conclusion

In summary, Disney’s decision to trademark “Hakuna Matata” is about ensuring the integrity of their brand and protecting their intellectual property. It’s important to recognize the distinction between personal use and commercial use. While the phrase is a cultural touchstone, its commercial usage is protected to maintain trademark rights and ensure that consumers know they are getting authentic Disney products. The public should be informed about the purpose and scope of trademarks to avoid such misunderstandings.

Disclaimer: This article uses quotes and images from official USPTO documentation for clarity and educational purposes. Please refer to the USPTO website for the most up-to-date information on trademark filings and statuses.