Overview
- On January 1, 2024, the copyright for the original 1928 Mickey Mouse character design from the animated film “Steamboat Willie” will expire and enter the public domain. This means anyone can use or profit from that early version of Mickey without permission from Disney.
What Enters Public Domain
- The black and white, pie-eyed, rascally Mickey Mouse from “Steamboat Willie” will be in the public domain. This includes features like his rudimentary design, skinny frame, long tail, etc.
What is Still Protected
- Disney will retain trademarks and copyrights on all later versions of Mickey Mouse. His more modern design with white gloves and pupils, as well as his name and image, are still fully protected intellectual property belonging to Disney.
What People Can Do
- Use the 1928 Mickey design in new creative works, merchandise, films, art, etc. But this must be done without infringing on Disney’s continuing trademark and copyrights in ways that cause brand confusion. Parody and commentary may have more flexibility.
Background on Copyright Extension
- Disney has lobbied extensively to extend copyright protections, with the 1998 Copyright Term Extension Act pejoratively called the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act.” But after multiple extensions, the earliest Mickey Mouse finally enters the public domain after 95 years.
The History of Mickey’s Debut in “Steamboat Willie”
Mickey Mouse first appeared in the 1928 animated short “Steamboat Willie”, which was groundbreaking as the first cartoon released with fully synchronized sound. Some key historical notes:
- Produced by Walt Disney and directed by Ub Iwerks
- Debuted November 18, 1928 in New York City
- Distributed by Celebrity Productions
- Soundtrack recorded by Pat Powers’ Cinephone system
- Was the first Disney cartoon with synchronized sound
- Premiered as a preview before the film “Gang War”
The runaway success of “Steamboat Willie” made Mickey Mouse an overnight sensation. This laid the foundation for the Disney empire and the “Golden Age” of animation that followed.
Conclusion
Losing exclusivity to the original 1928 Mickey Mouse design is mostly symbolic for Disney. But it still represents the public finally gaining access to creative works that have been strictly private for nearly a century. For artists, filmmakers and entrepreneurs, this will provide some new opportunities and freedoms involving that iconic early Mickey version.
But Disney’s trademarks ensure they will still vigorously defend Mickey’s image and likeness from substantial brand exploitation without permission. Overall, the entry of the first Mickey Mouse into the public domain is a milestone for intellectual property laws. And it caps the long history of a character who defined and transformed the animation business from his debut in Steamboat Willie in 1928.
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