The most popular picture of Mickey Mousethe iconic animated mouse we came to know on television will no longer be owned by Disney from January 1, 2024. The company, a giant in the entertainment industry, will lose the rights to his famous image at the end of the new year.
This is the short film in which Mickey dances and whistles at the helm of a ship, a video that Disney usually uses in several of its productions to introduce the company.
This is how the Disney short film was created to celebrate its 100th anniversary, which brings together all its characters
This video was originally produced by Walt Disney Studiosfrom 1928 and marks the first time that Mickey and Minnie Mouse appeared on screen with sound. Therefore, it was one of the catalysts for Disney's fame.
However, Walt Disney only retained the copyright to this cartoon for 56 years, as that was how it was regulated in the United States at the time. The company then pushed for 75 years of rights and finally received an extension until 2024.
Once this extension ends on January 1st, The animation enters the public domainunless Disney reaches a new agreement.
In Florida, the official headquarters of Disney Studios, lawmakers are fighting to stop the company from reclaiming its cartoon copyrights as Disney has publicly opposed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, which imposes several restrictions on education in schools and universities.
But Disney has prepared for this moment and created new versions of the animations that can be used in modern films in the future.
“From that First appearance of Mickey Mouse “In the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie, people associated the character with authentic Disney stories, experiences and products,” a Disney spokesperson said. “This will not change even if the copyright expires. from the movie Steamboat Willie.”
Currently, The lawsuit does not involve any other images of Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouseand both characters will continue to be ambassadors for the Disney parks. (AND)