Seems like a PR stunt to me after reading this and clicking the link to view the ad:

Even with the voiceover, it sure "feels" to me as a consumer like Minnie is endorsing calling #LAW ... which goes beyond fair use, in my estimation.

Fair use? Steamboat Willie is public domain.

But Minnie is not, and the way the ad is used (see link to video) goes beyond simply using the ad.

If it was clearly legal and clear-cut, why would a law firm be suing for clarification?

A version of Minnie is in Steamboat Willy...?

	▲	leakycap 5 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Correct. I don't believe she had a cellphone in Steamboat Willy where she called the law firm being advertised here, hence the legal question. Can I use "Steamboat Willy" to have Mickey/Minnie from that era act as my spokesperson? I doubt it. If these lawyers felt they had obvious legal rights here, do you think they'd be asking for clarification?