How is Puppet Up! not in trouble from using Disney Muppets?

[backpackmina]

I've noticed that some puppets they use are from Bear in the Big Blue House and Statler and Waldorf: From the Balcony. How is that possible?

 

[Bliffenstimmers]

My best guess is that the characters you're talking about are just generic animals and creatures, who aren't protected by copyright...

 

[backpackmina]

My best guess is that the characters you're talking about are just generic animals and creatures, who aren't protected by copyright...

Ah, I see. I didn't know those were excluded.

 

[Muppet fan 123]

Which characters are you talking about specifically?

 

[backpackmina]

Which characters are you talking about specifically?

I don't know all by name, but Penelope the Tortoise, the armadillo, Pokey (Today Show takeovers, Muppets Tonight), the beaver, and some others I can't remember now.