The Original Mickey Mouse Will Enter Public Domain in 2024

Steamboat-Willie-limited460

The Original Mickey Mouse Will Enter Public Domain in 2024

Hotdog! The original iteration of Mickey Mouse was first introduced to the world in 1928 in the beloved short film Steamboat Willie. In just over a year, the copyright for the first version of Mickey will become public domain, but what does this mean for The Walt Disney Company and fans of the main Mouse?

Related: New Limited Edition Mickey Mouse Club Disney100 Cereal Coming Soon

First and foremost, this does NOT mean that any version of Mickey Mouse can be used publicly, since the character is still trademarked by Disney and does not have an “expiration date” like a copyright does. Strictly, only the original version featured in Steamboat Willie can be utilized under very specific conditions. The use of Mickey’s image can not be able to be used to falsely sell a product as if it were from Disney, the images can not feature other traits and features of “future” versions of the character that are still under copyright, the image can not be used in a way that is associated with the Disney brand. 


Related: New Mickey Balloon Rainbow Popcorn Bucket Now Available in the Magic Kingdom

When asked about what this means for the company, a representative of The Walt Disney Company shared in a statement: “Ever since Mickey Mouse’s first appearance in the 1928 short film ‘Steamboat Willie,’ people have associated the character with Disney’s stories, experiences and authentic products. That will not change when the copyright in the ‘Steamboat Willie’ film expires.”

This is a developing story, so be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for updates and all things Disney!

YouTube player

Source

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

D2T-1

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel

Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
MM slash DD slash YYYY
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!

YouTube player

Written by:

3,093 Posts

Kaitlyn is a writer, painter, and artist based just north of Baltimore, Maryland. She is a previous participant in the Disney College Program and has years of experience with Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts and with Universal Orlando Resort. Her and her big 'Ohana are frequent visitors to the parks and resorts and she is always up for another trip to visit her favorite castles! Kaitlyn is the News & Entertainment Writer for Chip and Company and is passionate about writing and storytelling.
View All Posts
Follow Me :