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BrainPOP posts copyright lesson after White House uses its cartoon characters in MAGA-themed video

Educational company BrainPOP responded with a copyright video after the White House depicted its Tim and Moby characters criticizing the Department of Education.

The short version

  • The White House shared a social media video featuring BrainPOP's educational cartoon characters Tim and Moby wearing MAGA hats and criticizing the Department of Education.
  • BrainPOP responded by posting an educational video on copyright law, which accrued nearly 3 million views on X.
  • The White House video was taken down from X but remained available on Instagram and Facebook.

Key facts

  • The White House released a social media video depicting the educational cartoon characters Tim and Moby wearing MAGA hats.[Business Insider]
  • BrainPOP, the creator of Tim and Moby, posted a video explaining copyright law in response, which amassed nearly 3 million views on X.[Business Insider]
  • The White House video was removed from X on Thursday, while remaining accessible on Facebook and Instagram.[Business Insider]
  • Legal scholars noted that copyright owners can submit DMCA takedown requests to platforms or seek monetary damages in court against government entities.[Business Insider]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains unknown whether BrainPOP intends to pursue legal action or formal DMCA takedown notices against the remaining White House posts.[Business Insider]

Sources