Micky Mouse In Free To Use From Next Week
Yes, You read right in the title. After 95 years, the original version of Mickey Mouse, the one you know from “Steamboat Willie,” is officially enter the public domain in the United States. basically Mickey Mouse breaking free from copyright!
This means artists, filmmakers, and anyone with a spark of creativity can use this classic Mickey in their own works. While Disney still protects later versions of Mickey and his friends, this is a landmark moment for creativity and opens up exciting possibilities for the world of entertainment.
But, it’s also important to note that Disney might still stop or take legal action to those people who making Mickey Mouse anything too naughty or confusing people or may hurt Mickey’s image. But, still it’s a big win for the independent creators and filmmakers.
The original Mickey Mouse enters public domain in 1 week. pic.twitter.com/GdszHpK8EW
— The Traile (@thetraile) December 26, 2023
But the modern Mickey we know and love stays with Disney until at least 2036. So don’t go wild making Mickey Mouse merch just yet! This is just a small step in a big copyright story.
Micky Mouse Copyright History
Early Mickey: Back in 1928, copyright only lasted 56 years. This meant Mickey would be free for anyone to use by 1984.
Disney plays defense: Disney didn’t want to lose its star, so they kept convincing Congress to give Mickey more copyright time.
Big win in 1976: A new law extended copyright up to 75 years, pushing Mickey’s expiration date way back to 2003.
More Characters Entering Public Domain
| Year | Character |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Winnie-the-Pooh & Tigger |
| 2024 | Tarzan |
| 2024 | Lady Chatterley’s Lover |
| 2025 | Jay Gatsby |
| 2025 | Tommy Beresford |
| 2026 | Dracula |
| 2026 | Jake Barnes |
| 2027 | Mrs. Ramsay |
| 2027 | Tuppence Beresford |
| 2029 | Donald Duck |
| 2033 | Superman |
| 2034 | Batman |
| 2034 | James Bond |
| 2034 | Captain Marvel (DC) |
| 2036 | Captain America |
| 2036 | Aquaman |
| 2036 | Wonder Woman |
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