Mickey Mouse: A Symbol of Expired Copyright
The 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie” featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will enter the public domain in 2024. This milestone marks the first time that Mickey Mouse, an iconic and quintessential piece of intellectual property, will be free from Disney’s copyright. Although there are still limitations and restrictions on the use of the character, this event has significant implications for copyright law and discussions about broader public ownership of creative works.