May 19, 2024

AndronETalksNews

AndronETalksNews

Mickey Mouse: Disney loses copyright of early version of cartoon character featured in Steamboat Willie

Sky News

By Niamh Lynch

January 1, 2024

An early version of Mickey Mouse, one of the most iconic characters in popular culture, no longer has copyright protection.

Members of the public are now able to use the image of Mickey and Minnie Mouse featured in their first screen release, the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie, after the copyright expired.

US law allows copyright to be held for 95 years – with Congress expanding it several times during that period.

Read more…