The Untold Story Behind Mickey Mouse's Impending Public Domain Status in 2024

The iconic fictional character, Mickey Mouse, is set to enter the public domain in 2024, with the exception that only his initial appearance in Steamboat Willie from 1928 will be affected, not his more contemporary iterations. According to a Disney spokesperson speaking to the Associated Press, the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright will not impact the newer versions of Mickey, ensuring that he will maintain a prominent presence in Disney's storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise.

According to US law, a copyright can be held for 95 years, which is why Steamboat Willie's version of Mickey Mouse will enter public domain in 2024. Disney and other companies successfully lobbied Congress to extend the copyright lengths over the years, pushing it to 95 years.

Artists may attempt to challenge the boundaries and explore the specific aspects of the Mickey Mouse copyright that they can utilize for their creations, and Disney has stated that it will continue to "legally protect our rights" in relation to its copyrights.

Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks directed the short film, Steamboat Willie, which you can view in its entirety above.

Tigger from the Winnie the Pooh series is another Disney character set to enter public domain in 2024. With plans for a sequel to the dark Winnie the Pooh movie, Blood and Honey, featuring a murderous Tigger, there is a sense of urgency surrounding this.

The Walt Disney Company celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, having been incorporated back in October 1923.

Editor's P/S

As a lifelong Disney fan, I am both excited and apprehensive about Mickey Mouse's impending public domain status in 2024. On the one hand, it is thrilling to think about the creative possibilities that will open up once Mickey becomes part of the public domain. Artists and creators will have the opportunity to reimagine and reinterpret this beloved character in countless new ways, leading to a fresh wave of Mickey-inspired art, literature, and merchandise.

On the other hand, I am concerned about the potential impact on Disney's intellectual property rights and the company's ability to continue producing new Mickey Mouse content. Disney has built its empire on the strength of its iconic characters, and Mickey Mouse is undoubtedly the most recognizable and valuable of them all. Losing control over the original version of Mickey could potentially undermine Disney's brand and make it more difficult for the company to maintain its dominance in the entertainment industry.