<P> Jim Henson 's characters , including the Muppets , have inspired merchandise internationally , with Chris Bensch , chief curator of Rochester , New York 's The Strong National Museum of Play , reporting `` There seems to have been a particular craze for Kermit the Frog in Japan , '' likely due to the `` cuteness appeal . '' Baby Kermit plush toys became popular in the 1980s after the success of Muppet Babies . In 1991 , one year after Jim Henson died , merchandise featuring Kermit and other Muppet characters was being sold at Disney theme parks , causing Henson Associates to file a lawsuit against Disney for copyright infringement . Henson alleged that the `` counterfeit merchandise '' falsely indicated that the characters belonged to Disney , although the latter company had the right to exercise use of the characters due to an earlier licensing agreement . The Henson Associates highlighted a T - shirt displaying Kermit , the Disney brand , and a copyright symbol . Disney representative Erwin Okun said the lawsuit was `` outrageous '' and `` an unfortunate break with the legacy of a fine relationship with Disney that Jim Henson left behind '' . Disney later acquired the Muppets , and thusly , clothes , toys and souvenirs depicting Kermit and the Muppets continued to be sold at Disney theme parks and stores . </P>
<P> Jim Henson 's characters , including the Muppets , have inspired merchandise internationally , with Chris Bensch , chief curator of Rochester , New York 's The Strong National Museum of Play , reporting `` There seems to have been a particular craze for Kermit the Frog in Japan , '' likely due to the `` cuteness appeal . '' Baby Kermit plush toys became popular in the 1980s after the success of Muppet Babies . In 1991 , one year after Jim Henson died , merchandise featuring Kermit and other Muppet characters was being sold at Disney theme parks , causing Henson Associates to file a lawsuit against Disney for copyright infringement . Henson alleged that the `` counterfeit merchandise '' falsely indicated that the characters belonged to Disney , although the latter company had the right to exercise use of the characters due to an earlier licensing agreement . The Henson Associates highlighted a T - shirt displaying Kermit , the Disney brand , and a copyright symbol . Disney representative Erwin Okun said the lawsuit was `` outrageous '' and `` an unfortunate break with the legacy of a fine relationship with Disney that Jim Henson left behind '' . Disney later acquired the Muppets , and thusly , clothes , toys and souvenirs depicting Kermit and the Muppets continued to be sold at Disney theme parks and stores . </P>
who owns the rights to kermit the frog
who owns the rights to kermit the frog
Henson Associates
Henson Associates