A Brazilian funeral home has introduced a line of Super Mario-themed coffins, sparking interest and potential legal concerns. Bignotto, a company with over 60 years of experience in manufacturing urns, recently showcased the coffins on Instagram. The range includes red, pink, and green coffins adorned with interchangeable logos representing iconic characters such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, and Toad.
Details of the Themed Coffins
While the coffins appear well-crafted, Bignotto has not disclosed pricing or added them to its official catalog. Themed coffins are not uncommon, with past examples including fish-shaped and mobile phone-shaped designs from other funeral homes. Bignotto itself has previously offered pop culture-inspired coffins based on Barbie and The Fairly OddParents.
Potential Legal Issues with Nintendo
Nintendo is known for vigorously protecting its intellectual property, even pursuing legal action against fan-made games. The company previously sued a Costa Rican supermarket named Super Mario, though it lost that case as the supermarket had no direct connection to the franchise. Given Nintendo's track record, it is likely to object to Bignotto's unauthorized use of its characters.
The legal outcome remains uncertain, as trademark infringement cases depend on registration and usage specifics. Bignotto's Mario coffins may face challenges if Nintendo decides to take action.
For now, the coffins have generated buzz on social media, with many questioning whether Nintendo will intervene. The funeral home continues to operate its business, offering these unique options to customers seeking a personalized farewell.
