Following the expiration of copyright protection, members of the public can now utilize the image of the early rendition of Mickey and Minnie Mouse as seen in their debut appearance in the 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie,” marking a significant shift in copyright regulation.
Under US law, which allows a copyright term of 95 years, the iconic characters from “Steamboat Willie” have entered the public domain.
Jennifer Jenkins, a law professor at Duke’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain, highlighted the broader impact of the extension of copyright terms, explaining that multiple copyright holders, beyond just Disney, benefited from the additional protection period.
Jenkins expressed her excitement over the change, calling it both “symbolic” and “exciting,” likening it to a moment of release, similar to the smoke expelled from a steamboat.
However, she emphasized that only the earlier, more mischievous depiction of Mickey, not the modern versions, is now available for public use.
Responding to the expiration of the “Steamboat Willie” copyright, a Disney spokesperson clarified that the more contemporary iterations of Mickey remain unaffected, still playing a significant role as a global ambassador across Disney’s storytelling, theme parks, and merchandise.
Despite the expiration of this particular copyright, Disney maintains a separate trademark for Mickey Mouse as a corporate symbol, protecting against deceptive usage that might mislead consumers into believing a product is from the original creator.
Apart from Mickey Mouse, other notable properties, such as Charlie Chaplin’s film “Circus,” Virginia Woolf’s novel “Orlando,” and Bertolt Brecht’s musical play “The Threepenny Opera,” have also entered the US public domain in 2024 due to the changes in copyright regulations.
This shift in copyright law in 1998 brought the US closer in alignment with the European Union’s copyright terms.
“Steamboat Willie,” directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, was among the pioneering cartoons with synchronized sound and visuals, showcasing an earlier, more daring depiction of Mickey Mouse steering a boat and crafting musical instruments from other animals.
