The Original Mickey Mouse Will Enter Public Domain in 2024

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?

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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. 

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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!

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