The version of the character created in 1928 will enter the public domain
Disney goes lose The exclusivity on the first version of his more classic character, Mickey Mouse. The mouse first appeared on October 1, 1928 in the short film The Steam Willie.
Under U.S. copyright law, artworks and characters must go into the public domain 95 years after their release, a sign that the first Mickey Mouse will reach in 2023.
As a result, the Walt Disney Company will lose the copyright protection it has on the character starting January 1, 2024. Therefore, artists, fans and other companies will be able to use it in their works.
This use, however, will have limitations. Mickey Mouse has undergone several transformations over the years, but the only version that will enter the public domain is that of 1928, the one with a pointed muzzle and long tail. Any other character designs will still be under protection until he turns 95.
Furthermore, according to an expert consulted by the newspaper The Guardianpeople will be able to use the original Mickey Mouse to create their own stories with the character, but if they do so in a way that resembles or harks back to Disney, the company can sue for the use of the brand.
Public domain characters
American copyright law has acted on other classic characters. Winnie the Pooh, also owned by Disney, went public in January of this year. The character was created in 1926 in a fairy tale. AA Milneturning 95 in 2021.
The loss of the company’s exclusivity has already led to other productions, such as the horror film Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honeywhich is expected to debut in 2022 and shows Winnie the Pooh as a serial killer.
Another example is the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle. In the United States, most of the stories written by the author are in the public domain, but some are still protected by law.
As a result, these versions of the character cannot be used by other artists, similar to the Mickey Mouse situation. On the other hand, in the UK, where protection only lasts 70 years, all of Holmes’ stories have already lost their exclusivity.
* Trainee under the supervision of Charlise Morais
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
