The original version of Mickey Mouse, one of the most famous characters in popular culture, will lose copyright protection starting in 2024. Members of the public will be able to use images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, which appeared in the first screen release, the short film Steamboat Willie from 1928, after the copyright expires. U.S. law allows copyright to be held for 95 years, and Congress has extended it several times during that period.
Jennifer Jenkins, a law professor and director of the Duke Center for the Study of Public Domain, stated, "It is sometimes sarcastically referred to as the Mickey Mouse protection act. This is an exaggeration because Disney was not the only one pushing for the extension. There was a whole host of copyright holders whose works were about to enter the public domain who benefitted greatly from 20 years of additional protection."
The change means that the public will only be able to use the image of Captain Mickey, as he appears in Steamboat Willie, and not newer versions. A Disney spokesperson said, "Since Mickey Mouse's first appearance, people have connected the character with Disney's stories, experiences, and original products. This will not change when the copyright for Steamboat Willie expires."
The spokesperson added, "Newer versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the copyright for Steamboat Willie, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company in storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise. We will, of course, continue to protect our rights to newer versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain under copyright."
Not every trait or feature of the character is necessarily protected by copyright, however, courts may be busy in the coming years determining what falls within or outside of Disney’s ownership. Disney also owns a separate trademark on Mickey as the company mascot and brand identifier, and the law prohibits using the character misleadingly to deceive consumers into thinking a product is from the original creator, according to "MKFM."
