‘Steamboat Willie’ Mickey Mouse Enters Public Domain in 2024
An early version of the Mouse that started it all is about to become public property. Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain in 2024.
Steamboat Willie
In 1928, Mickey Mouse was introduced to the world in the short film, Steamboat Willie. The New York Times recently reported that this version of Mickey will lose its copyright protection in the U.S. and other countries next year.
Mickey does not speak in the 8-minute film and has a different appearance than fans are used to. Although recognizable, he features a longer nose, a longer tail, and plain black eyes.
Along with the change in his features, fans may notice a difference in his personality. He’s much more naughty in Steamboat Willie than he is today!
Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse has transformed in various ways over the years, and later versions are still protected by copyrights. Each will enter the public domain eventually, in the coming years.
So, how will the copyright expiration play out literally? Once the character becomes public domain, Steamboat Willie can be shown without Disney’s permission.
It can even be resold by third parties. The New York Times adds that “anyone can make use of the film and the original Mickey to further expression — to create new stories and artwork.”
Interestingly, Disney holds trademarks on its characters, and Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse is included. Trademarks never expire as long as the appropriate paperwork is submitted.
To clarify, copyright covers unauthorized copying of a specific creation, while trademarks provide assurance of the source and quality of creations.
Walt Disney Animation Studios incorporated the Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse into its logo in 2007. Since then, it’s appeared before every Animation Studios movie Disney has released.
This logo is also protected by a trademark. Disney continues to sell merchandise bearing the Steamboat Willie design.
Public Domain
In a statement, Disney said, “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.”
The company added, “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright, and we will work to safeguard against consumer confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey and our other iconic characters.”
The Mouse that started it all has been beloved by fans since his imagining. It’ll be interesting to see how things play out when the Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse enters the public domain in 2024!