The original versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse from the 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie” will enter the public domain on January 1, 2024.
This marks the first time any version of the iconic Disney characters will not be protected by copyright.
The expiration of the copyright for “Steamboat Willie” is significant, as it has been extended multiple times due to lobbying efforts by various copyright holders. (Trending: Kid Rock Rages Against ‘Woke’ Target)
“This is it. This is Mickey Mouse. This is exciting because it’s kind of symbolic,” Jennifer Jenkins, a professor of law and director of Duke’s Center for the Study of Public Domain, said.
“I kind of feel like the pipe on the steamboat, like expelling smoke. It’s so exciting.”
“It’s sometimes derisively referred to as the Mickey Mouse Protection Act,” Jenkins added.
“That’s oversimplified because it wasn’t just Disney that was pushing for term extension. It was a whole group of copyright holders whose works were set to go into the public domain soon, who benefited greatly from the 20 years of extra protection.”
Disney clarified that while the original versions will be in the public domain, the more modern versions will remain protected.
“Ever since Mickey Mouse’s first appearance in the 1928 short film ‘Steamboat Willie,’ people have associated the character with Disney’s stories, experiences, and authentic products,” a Disney spokesperson said.
“That will not change when the copyright in the ‘Steamboat Willie’ film expires.”
“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 in our storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise,” the statement added.
“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.”
Additionally, the entry of A.A. Milne’s original “Winnie the Pooh” characters into the public domain earlier this year led to unique entertainment projects, such as the release of a horror film featuring the characters.
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