Since January, Mickey Mouse is freely available to the public.
In addition to Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse’s copyright expires in January. Both made their debut in 1928. PDO
On January 1st, a significant copyright expires, as the character of Mickey Mouse becomes public at that time. It means that Disney, which owns the rights to the cartoon character, no longer has exclusive copyright to the earliest versions of the world’s most famous ball ear.
After the turn of the year, cartoonists, filmmakers, writers, songwriters and other artists can do practically whatever they want with the character of Mickey Mouse. It is a huge symbolic moment for the copyright community.
– This is a big thing. It’s causing so much excitement in the copyright community—it’s finally happening, says director of Duke University’s Duke Center for the Study of the Public Domain Jennifer Jenkins says Varietyfor the magazine.
Jenkins says that on the first day of every year, the so-called public domain day, i.e. the expiration of copyright, is celebrated. In 1928, for the first time on the big screen Steamship Ville The public domain transition of Mickey Mouse seen in the movie to free public use will take place on January 1, 2024.
“Mickey Mouse Protection Act”
The Yankees already have an educated guess about what Mickey Mouse’s future looks like. In 2019, Winnie the Pooh’s copyright protection expired, and this year a movie based on the character was brought to the movies Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey -slasher horror movie. Jenkins says that, especially in the genre of horror films, new opportunities to utilize old classic characters are welcomed.
– This is something that people in Hollywood have not focused on. There is an extraordinary group of people who create things just for the love of creativity, Harvard University Law Professor Lawrence Lessig says.
Lessig is an expert on copyright issues and was one of the most vocal critics when Disney helped push the US Congress to extend copyright in 1998, giving Mickey Mouse a 20-year extension under Disney’s ownership.
Without the blessing of Congress, Disney’s rights to Mickey Mouse would have expired as early as 2004. Lessig called the law the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act.” He fought the issue all the way to the Supreme Court, but ultimately lost the legal battle by a vote of 7-2.
Mickey Mouse was first seen in the movie Steamship Ville, which premiered on November 18, 1928. Snap/Shutterstock, AOP
Professor of Law, Southern Illinois University Zvi Rosen points out that Disney’s role as a lobbyist for copyright laws has probably been exaggerated.
– Disney’s scary reputation had always been slightly exaggerated. “They’re a handy bag,” says Rosen.
Not a completely free trademark
With the expiration of the copyright approaching, some expected that Disney would fight for more years as the owner of Mickey Mouse. However, that has not happened.
– It is significant. Let’s hope it’s the start of a new song, says Lessig.
There will not be a completely free version of Mickey Mouse at the turn of January, because Disney still retains the copyright to newer versions of the character. In general, Mickey Mouse has less leeway than, for example, Winnie the Pooh, because it is a stronger trademark.
Rosen believes that Mickey Mouse’s public rights will be fought in court at some point.
– Someone does something that Disney has to sue them for. It is almost inevitable, Rosen guesses.
Jenkins says Disney won’t be able to use trademark laws to protect Mickey Mouse after January. According to him, there shouldn’t be any problems as long as the artists don’t try to present their work as Disney creations.
– Don’t start selling Disney products, Jenkins summarizes.