Disney’s Iconic Early Mickey Mouse Set to Enter Public Domain on January 1
As the New Year approaches, a significant milestone is on the horizon for Disney enthusiasts and copyright aficionados alike. On January 1, 2024, an early iteration of Disney’s beloved character, Mickey Mouse, is poised to enter the public domain, marking a historic moment in the realm of intellectual property.
The copyright expiration centers around Disney’s groundbreaking 1928 short film, “Steamboat Willie,” which introduced the world to the iconic rodent and played a pivotal role in establishing Walt Disney’s entertainment empire. Under current U.S. copyright law, which allows for a 95-year protection period, Disney’s exclusive rights to “Steamboat Willie” are set to conclude.
This development echoes a trend seen in recent years, where classic characters like A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain in 2022, paving the way for diverse interpretations, including the unexpected 2023 slasher film, “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.”
While the original “Steamboat Willie” will be free for public use, Disney remains firm on its trademark for the modern iteration of Mickey Mouse. Stacey Lee, a professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, emphasized the distinction between the early 1928 Mickey and the contemporary mascot adorned with trademarked features like gloves, oversized shoes, and distinct eyes.
“You can take ‘Steamboat Willie’ and do whatever you want with him,” Lee explained. “However, Mickey Mouse, as we traditionally think of him, is trademarked, so he’s still very much the ownership of Disney.”
Responding to inquiries, a Disney spokesperson assured that the expiration of the “Steamboat Willie” copyright would not impact the modern version of Mickey Mouse. The spokesperson stated, “More modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company.”
Despite the expiration, Disney’s stronghold on its famous mouse remains intact due to trademark protection. Lee likened Mickey Mouse to iconic brands like the Nike Swoosh and Tiffany Blue, emphasizing Disney’s exclusive ownership.
While the public gains access to the early Mickey Mouse for various purposes, such as education, satire, or parody, Lee cautioned that appropriating Disney’s famous mouse could invite legal repercussions. The Disney spokesperson affirmed the company’s commitment to protecting its brand, stating, “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright.”
