Iconic mouse brought to public

After 95 years, Mickey Mouse will be saying goodbye to Disney and hello to the public. Disney’s very own Mickey Mouse will be entering the public domain for the first time in January 2024. The copyright on the world’s favorite mouse cannot be renewed by Disney due to the Copyright Act of 1976. Although, this only applies to the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey and not the Mickey from Fantasia that everyone widely recognizes today. He will be under copyright protection until 2036.

“I think that a lot of people will be happy that they can freely use Mickey and not have to pay such a large corporation. It will most likely be especially good for small businesses who have a strong love for Disney and want to make Mickey-themed products,” said Deerfield Beach High School’s 11th grader Luna Ramirez.

With Steamboat Willie’s Mickey Mouse now going out to the public, anyone can copy, distribute, or use its design of Mickey without getting approval from Disney first. People all over the world will be able to use Mickey in their drawings, films, or other artistic endeavors without the worry of a big corporation breathing down their necks about copyright laws.

Although this does not mean that Disney will just sit back and watch as their beloved Mickey goes out to the public. Disney has previously taken their case to the Supreme Court and won, setting the date back to 2023. Along with another copyright regulation being passed bumping the date back to 2024. Right now, people do not see Disney taking any action yet to keep Mickey in their franchise.

“I think it’s very sad Disney is losing their copyright because that’s their entire brand and it’ll be free for the public to use now which is unfortunate because Disney made a lot of money off of Mickey Mouse,” said DBHS 11th grader Luna Ramirez.

Even though Disney is losing the copyrights to their little mouse. They still have an eternal trademark on Mickey Mouse. So, even if they lose the copyright to him. Disney will always have Mickey under the ropes one way or another

Written by Ivy Garcia | Graphic Designed by Ivy Garcia

Published April 3, 2023 | ePathfinder | Entertainment