The first version of Disney's most famous character, considered the symbol of American popular culture, will enter the public domain on January 1, 2024. Photo La Hora / AP
Mickey Mouse will soon be yours, mine and everyone's property.
With a few asterisks, exceptions and caveats, Mickey Mouse in its original form will be the leader of the characters, films and books entering the public domain on the first day of 2024.
In a moment that many observers thought would never come, at least one version of the epitome of intellectual property and perhaps the most iconic figure in American popular culture will be free of Disney copyright, as his first appearance in The Screen, the short film ” Steamboat Willie” featuring Mickey and Minnie will be open to the public.
“This is the moment. This is Mickey Mouse. It's exciting because it's symbolic in a way,” said Jennifer Jenkins, a law professor, director of the Center for Public Domain Studies at Duke University and author of an annual column on “Public Domain Day.” “I feel like the pipe on the steamboat when it smokes. How exciting.”
Under US law, copyright is valid for 95 years. Congress expanded it several times during Mickey's lifetime.
“It’s sometimes derisively referred to as the ‘Mickey Mouse Protection Act,’” Jenkins said. “That’s an oversimplification because Disney wasn’t the only one pushing for the extension. “This was a whole group of copyright holders whose works were about to enter the public domain and who benefited greatly from the 20 years of additional protection.”
“Since Mickey Mouse's first appearance in the short film Steamboat Willie in 1928, people have associated the character with authentic Disney stories, experiences and products,” a company spokesman said in a message to the Associated Press. “That won’t change when the copyright on the movie Steamboat Willie expires.”
Artists and creative people can use Mickey, but with major restrictions. The only thing that has made it into the public eye is the mischievous boat captain in “Steamboat Willie,” mute and rather rat-like.
“More modern versions of Mickey will not be affected by Steamboat Willie's copyright expiration, and Mickey will continue to serve as a global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company in our stories, theme park attractions and merchandise,” the company said in its statement.
However, not all features or characteristics of a character are necessarily subject to copyright, and in the coming years courts may be forced to decide what is and is not covered by Disney's law.
“Of course, we will continue to protect our rights to more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright,” the company said.