The earliest version of Mickey Mouse will become public domain in 2024, along with Minnie and Tigger

The earliest incarnation of Mickey Mouse, along with Minnie and Tigger, is set to enter the public domain in 2024. This development comes with a series of qualifications and disclaimers, marking a significant moment in intellectual property history as it relates to American pop culture.

Mickey Mouse, the iconic character synonymous with Disney, made his debut in the 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie,” featuring both Mickey and Minnie Mouse. U.S. copyright law allowed for a 95-year copyright term, and the impending expiration of this term has been eagerly anticipated by copyright experts and enthusiasts.

Jennifer Jenkins, a professor of law and director of Duke’s Center for the Study of Public Domain, expressed her excitement about this event, highlighting its symbolic significance. However, it’s essential to clarify that only the version of Mickey seen in “Steamboat Willie” will become public domain. More modern iterations of the character will remain under Disney’s copyright protection.

Despite the expiration of the “Steamboat Willie” copyright, Disney maintains its trademark on Mickey as a corporate mascot and brand identifier. This means that while artists and creators can utilize the early version of Mickey, they must adhere to certain limitations to avoid misleading consumers.

The legal landscape surrounding characters like Mickey Mouse remains complex, as not every feature or personality trait is necessarily copyrightable. Courts may be called upon to determine the extent of Disney’s ownership in the coming years.

It’s worth noting that Tigger, another beloved character, will also enter the public domain as the book in which he first appeared, “The House at Pooh Corner,” turns 96. This follows the earlier entry of Winnie the Pooh into the public domain, resulting in unique adaptations, including a horror film.

Cory Doctorow, an author and activist, emphasizes that the audience will play a pivotal role in shaping the future use of these public domain characters.

While January 1, 2024, has long been awaited by public domain enthusiasts, it also serves as a reminder of the lengthy period it takes for works to enter the public domain in the United States. Nonetheless, this event highlights the enduring cultural impact of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and the broader implications of copyright law.

In addition to Mickey Mouse, other works such as Charlie Chaplin’s film “Circus,” Virginia Woolf’s novel “Orlando,” and Eugene O’Neill’s play “Long Day’s Journey into Night” will also enter the public domain in the United States.

While there has been some pushback against copyright extensions, it’s important to consider international agreements and the potential harmonization of copyright terms across different countries. For instance, works by George Orwell, such as “Animal Farm” and “1984,” are already in the public domain in his native Great Britain but will remain under copyright protection in the United States for several more years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Public Domain Mickey Mouse

More about Public Domain Mickey Mouse

• Steamboat Willie on IMDb
• Jennifer Jenkins, Duke University
• Disney’s Statement on Mickey Mouse
• Cory Doctorow’s Advocacy
• Copyright Law Overview
• Public Domain Information
• Charlie Chaplin’s “Circus”
• Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando”
• Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey into Night”