Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
On January 1, 2024, the very first iteration of Mickey Mouse, featured in Disney's 1928 film "Steamboat Willie," officially entered the public domain due to the expiration of the 95-year copyright limit set by US law.
According to a report by CNN Business, the transition of Mickey Mouse into the public domain resulted from the statutory copyright duration, last amended by US Congress in 1998, allowing for the broader use and reinterpretation of the character.
The move provided creators with the freedom to explore and reinterpret the original Steamboat Willie character without concerns about copyright infringement, which can alter the landscape of Mickey Mouse's cultural significance with Disney.
It's crucial to note that the expiration pertains exclusively to the early version of Mickey Mouse, such as the one featured in "Steamboat Willie." Modern iterations, characterized by distinct elements like gloves and oversized shoes, remains protected by copyright and trademark.
However, legal experts highlight the importance of recognizing that while the early Mickey is in the public domain, trademark protection still applies to the contemporary elements associated with the character.
Creators venturing into reimagining Steamboat Willie's version may also face legal hurdles, particularly on platforms like Etsy, where smaller artists may lack the resources to navigate the legal complexities associated with Disney's intellectual property.
Despite the public domain status of Steamboat Willie, Disney intends to uphold a vigilant stance over the broader image of Mickey Mouse. The company is committed to safeguarding its rights concerning modern versions and other copyrighted works associated with the character.
Disney's commitment extends to protecting against potential consumer confusion arising from unauthorized uses of Mickey Mouse and other iconic characters. This spans across various mediums, including merchandise, theme park attractions, and storytelling.
Legal experts acknowledged that exceptions exist for the use of even the modern Mickey Mouse. This includes depictions for educational purposes, satire, or parody, allowing for some flexibility in creative expression while respecting Disney's intellectual property.
Mickey Mouse has joined the company of other children's characters entering the public domain, following A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh in 2022. This development could pave the way for diverse interpretations and creative use of the character, similar to the release of the film "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey" in 2023.