Peoria, Mar 12: Caterpillar Inc. and the Walt Disney Co. settled a trademark infringement lawsuit that claimed the direct-to-DVD comedy George of the Jungle 2 released last year taints the heavy equipment maker's image. Terms of Thursaday's settlement were not revealed in a brief order approved by US district judge John Gorman.

Caterpillar and Disney, which have been partners in other business projects, issued statements saying the deal was "amicable." Spokesmen for both companies declined all further comment.

The Peoria, Illinois-based manufacturer filed the lawsuit last fall, alleging that the live-animated sequel George of the Jungle 2 tarnished Caterpillar's reputation because its trademark yellow earth-moving equipment is linked to the film's villains.

Disney countered that the movie is an obvious comedy and that viewers won't confuse Caterpillar with the villains who battle George and his computer-animated animal friends.

Caterpillar first sought a temporary restraining order to block last October's release of the movie, a sequel to a theatrical release that earned more than $100 million. Bureau Report