After 95 years, early versions of Mickey Mouse will become public domain on Jan. 1, 2024. More specifically, the iconic character’s first screen release “Steamboat Willie,” “The Barn Dance,” and original designs of Mickey Mouse. Furthermore, early versions of Minnie Mouse will be included in those becoming public domain.
Public Domain Day
Every year, since 2004, Public Domain Day has occurred on January 1. Furthermore, on this day copyrights to certain works expire. Moreover, these expirations on copyrights mostly happen 70 years after the creator or author has died.
For example, in 2022, Winnie the Pooh, and his friends at 100 acre woods created by A. A. Milne in 1926, entered public domain. This year, the Winnie the Pooh collection, “We Are Six,” entered into public domain. In these stories and images, the loveable bead full of fluff was not wearing a red shirt. That did not happen until Disney released it’s theatrical short featuring Winnie the Pooh in 1966. Next year, certain images and works containing Tigger will be placed in public domain.
Once a creative piece becomes public domain, anyone can revise it, build on to it, add it to new works, or use it for new publications without having to get permission.
Disney’s Fight to Extend Copyright on Mickey Mouse
For decades, Disney and other copyright holders have pushed for term extensions on creative works. In fact, this battle was sometimes referred to “as the Mickey Mouse Protection Act,” according to Jennifer Jenkins, a professor of law and director of Duke’s Center for the Study of Public Domain.
The group was able to extend the expiration of the copyright from the normal 70 years to around 90 years. Furthermore, Disney attempted to extend the deadline of the Mickey Mouse copyright, however, Congress denied their request.
Additionally, the only depiction of Mickey Mouse that will be available as public domain is the more mischievous, rat-like, non-speaking boat captain in “Steamboat Willie.” Furthermore, not all of the Disney’s characters personality traits or features will be available. Meaning, Disney will continue to hold certain aspects of Mickey Mouse under copyright laws.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
AP News: Mickey Mouse will soon belong to you and me — with some caveats
National Today: Public Domain Day – January 1, 2024
Global Toy News: The Mickey Mouse Copyright Runs Out in 2024 – What That Means for All of Us
Featured Image Courtesy of Jim, the Photographer‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Jim, the Photographer‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
