Pixar Animation Studios’ first original series, Win or Lose, premiered on February 19, bringing audiences a heartfelt look at a middle school coed softball team preparing for a championship game. The animated show features the fictional team, the Pickles, and their logo has caused a bit of an upset.
The Portland Pickles, a collegiate summer league baseball team, has publicly criticized Pixar and Disney for allegedly using their trademarked name and likeness without permission. According to team owner Alan Miller, the organization is considering legal action over the matter.
Win or Lose, an eight-episode series, follows the fictional Pickles softball team during the week leading up to a championship game, with each episode focusing on a different character’s perspective.
The Portland Pickles Call Foul
Following the debut of Win or Lose, the Portland Pickles took to social media, issuing a statement on behalf of their mascot, Dillon T. Pickle.
“We regret to inform you that Dillon T. Pickle is absolutely devastated by the release of this series. He looked up to Disney, believed in the magic, and truly thought they stood for joy. But not a call, not an email, not even a half-hearted fax. No DM, no Snap, no carrier pigeon with a tiny scroll asking for permission to use our marks, or collaborate. Nothing! Now, he sits in silence, questioning everything – how could he bo so heartbreakingly betrayed? A single, very salty, pickle-shaped tear is rolling down his face. He hopes that somehow, the magic can be restored.”
The Portland Pickles, established in 2015, have gained national recognition for their unique branding and viral mascot antics. Now, the organization is questioning whether the fictional Pickles in Win or Lose—whose uniforms, logo, and team colors bear a strong resemblance to the Portland club—were inspired by their real-life counterpart.
Disney has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Oregonian/OregonLive regarding the claims.
Miller stated that he never granted Disney permission to use his team’s logo.
“We totally get Dillon’s frustration. Funny how nobody thought to give us a ring before borrowing our trademarks. The organization is now weighing all options, including the ones we shouldn’t have to.”
Comparing the Pickles, Are They Similar?
In promotional material for the series, the team’s uniforms feature green and white—almost identical to the Portland Pickles.
However, how many colors one can use for a team called “The Pickles?” Green would be a given.
The coach in the show wears a logo that resembles a simplified version of the pickle, even down to the blue ball cap that Dillon T. Pickle wears.
What Happens Next?
While no lawsuit has been filed, Miller and the Portland Pickles are said to be weighing their legal options. As the team prepares for its 2025 season, its beloved mascot, Dillon T. Pickle, remains at the center of an unexpected controversy—one that could have legal implications for Disney and Pixar.
They have called out Disney publicly now, so time will tell what happens.
Source: The Oregonian
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