Starting January 1, 2024, the classic version of Mickey Mouse from the animations Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy will officially enter the public domain after 95 years from its debut. This means that The Walt Disney Company will no longer hold copyright over this original version of Mickey Mouse from these two animated films, and it will officially become public domain property.
Source: Internet
Under U.S. copyright law, a work typically remains protected for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works created by corporations or as collective works, copyright lasts for 120 years from creation or 95 years from publication, whichever is shorter. Thus, the original version of Mickey Mouse from Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy can be used without permission or fees starting January 1, 2024.
However, practical use of this imagery is not straightforward. The version of Mickey Mouse that enters the public domain will not include his later features such as the red shorts, yellow shoes, white gloves, or modern eye design. To avoid copyright and trademark issues, users must ensure the imagery conforms to the specific attributes of the Mickey Mouse depicted in these early films.
Source: Internet
Although the image of Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain, The Walt Disney Company still owns the trademark for the name “Mickey Mouse” and thousands of associated symbols related to the character. Trademark protection will continue for as long as The Walt Disney Company uses Mickey Mouse as a brand. If anyone uses the image of Mickey Mouse in a way that causes people to associate it with Disney’s products or services, it could constitute trademark infringement.
Source: Internet
Even though copyright for Mickey Mouse has expired, The Walt Disney Company still holds trademarks on various aspects of the character, such as his name, appearance, and design elements like his ears and gloves. Therefore, it’s important to adhere to specific restrictions when using these elements to avoid trademark infringement.
By Dang Ngoc Quynh Anh
Trademark Department
