The copyright protecting Mickey Mouse expires in 2024.
The beloved Mickey Mouse character was first introduced to the public in 1928. Stella Pictures, AOP
Disney may lose its exclusive rights to the iconic Mickey Mouse character. Under US copyright law, intellectual property rights in artistic works expire 95 years after first publication. Mickey Mouse was introduced to the public for the first time in 1928 and the copyright for the character is coming to an end next year.
Once the intellectual property rights expire, anyone can use the character as they wish without Disney’s permission or monetary compensation. This could mean that Mickey Mouse may also be seen in films or series other than those produced by Disney in the future.
Disney initially protected the iconic character with rights for 56 years. Since then, the intellectual property rights have been extended in 1976 and 1998. It is not yet known how Disney intends to proceed in the future regarding the protection of the character.
This Mickey Mouse is originally from 1940. Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection/All Over Press
A lawyer specializing in entertainment, Daniela Mayeda according to which the expiration of copyright does not take effect without restrictions.
– You can use the original Mickey Mouse in your own stories. But if you did make people think of Disney, which is likely because the company has invested in the character for so long, in theory, Disney could find you infringed on their copyright, Mayeda told The Guardian.
Sources: Mirror, The Guardian