Mickey Mouse: A Symbol of Expired Copyright

The End of an Era

In 2024, Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain, marking the first time that the iconic character will be free from Disney’s copyright. Although this milestone comes with certain restrictions, it is still significant for the world of intellectual property.

Under U.S. law, a copyright usually lasts for 95 years. The duration of copyright protection for Mickey Mouse was extended several times, leading to the term becoming colloquially known as the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act.” However, in 2024, the copyright for the 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie,” which introduced Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the world, will expire.

New Opportunities and Limitations

Once Mickey Mouse enters the public domain, current artists and creators will have the opportunity to use the original version of the character. However, only the mischievous, non-speaking boat captain version from “Steamboat Willie” will be free to use.

Disney retains a separate trademark on Mickey as a corporate mascot and brand identifier. This means that using Mickey deceptively to mislead consumers will still be prohibited.

The Impact on Copyright Law

While Mickey Mouse’s transition into the public domain is a major event, it also raises questions about the scope of copyright protection. Not every characteristic or trait a character possesses is copyrightable. With Mickey Mouse becoming a public figure, courts will have to determine what falls within Disney’s ownership and what doesn’t.

Disney stated that they will continue to protect their rights in the modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain under copyright. Therefore, more recent versions of Mickey will not be affected by the expiration of the “Steamboat Willie” copyright.

Other Works Entering the Public Domain

In addition to Mickey Mouse, several other notable works will enter the public domain in 2024. These include Charlie Chaplin’s film “Circus,” Virginia Woolf’s novel “Orlando,” and Eugene O’Neill’s play “Long Day’s Journey into Night.” It is interesting to note the disparity between the U.S. and other countries in terms of copyright duration. For example, the books of George Orwell, such as “Animal Farm” and “1984,” entered the public domain in his native Great Britain but will only do so in the U.S. 25 years later.

The Future of Public Ownership

The transition of Mickey Mouse into the public domain is a significant moment. It highlights the need to reevaluate the duration of copyright protection and encourages discussions about broader public ownership of creative works.

Source: Mickey Mouse will soon belong to everyone as Disney’s copyright expires in 2024