Today marks a significant shift in the world of entertainment and intellectual property rights. After almost 100 years, the iconic character Mickey Mouse, first seen in the 1928 animated short "Steamboat Willie," has entered the public domain. This development permits artists and creators worldwide to use this version of Mickey Mouse, along with the two initial shorts "Steamboat Willie" and "Plane Crazy," for their creative endeavors without requiring permission or owing royalties to Disney.
The Mickey Mouse character that has entered the public domain is the original black-and-white version with solid black eyes, no gloves, and long, skinny limbs. It's important to note that subsequent versions of Mickey Mouse, which showcase various alterations and upgrades over the years, remain under Disney's copyright.
Mickey Mouse's transition to the public domain reflects a significant journey in U.S. copyright law. Initially, copyright protection lasted a total of 56 years. However, due to lobbying from corporations like Disney and Warner Bros., the law evolved to extend this duration, reflecting in the current scenario.
Disney has expressed its commitment to continue protecting its rights over the modern iterations of Mickey Mouse. "Our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright will be safeguarded," Disney stated last year. They also plan to use trademark law, which never expires, to minimize unauthorized uses of Mickey Mouse, although their scope under this law is limited.
Following Mickey Mouse, another beloved character, Tigger, is set to enter the public domain, mirroring the path taken by Winnie-The-Pooh. Post entering the public domain, Winnie-The-Pooh saw diverse uses, including a slasher movie and a new animated series more akin to A. A. Milne's original books.
In a creative twist, Nightmare Forge games has announced "Infestation 88," a survival horror co-op game inspired by the now-public domain Steamboat Willie. Set in 1988, the game promises a blend of nostalgia and terror, following the successful formula of "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey." The game, in development for PC, encourages players to battle, evade, or hide from a sinister rodent outbreak.
The Public Domain Version of Mickey MouseHistorical Context of Copyright LawsDisney's Stance on the MatterThe Case of Tigger and Other CharactersInfestation 88: A New Twist on Steamboat Willie
