The iconic Mickey Mouse from the classic short film “Steamboat Willie,” released in 1928, is now in the public domain as of January 1, 2024, under copyright law established by the United States Congress.

From this milestone, Disney is barred from filing legal claims related to the use of the image of this iconic Mickey Mouse. A company spokesperson, speaking to CNN, stated that “Contemporary versions of Mickey will not be affected by the expiry of Steamboat Willie’s copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a prominent role as the Walt Disney Company’s global ambassador for our theme park rides and merchandise.”

“Steamboat Willie,” the short film that portrays Mickey Mouse as a sailor, exhibits notable differences in the character’s portrayal compared to Disney’s current image. With small shoes, no gloves, completely black eyes without pupils and a hat, this animated classic is no longer subject to copyright restrictions.

Rebecca Tushnet, a professor at Harvard Law School, explained that “To protect yourself from claims of copyright infringement, you really have to create new things and make sure you build them on Steamboat Willie, whatever you do.”

K. Tovar

Source: Criptotendencia

(Reference image source: Taha, Unsplash)

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