Disney Let the Rat Out of the Bag 🐭… #shorts

Summary

Mickey Mouse's first appearance in Steamboat Willie is now in the public domain in the US after its copyright expired on January 1, 2024. This allows anyone to use that specific depiction of Mickey without legal repercussions. However, Disney's trademarks on more modern iterations of Mickey may still be enforceable. The video discusses the implications of this copyright expiration and what parts of the Mickey Mouse character are still legally protected.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mickey Mouse from the original Steamboat Willie cartoon entered public domain on January 1st, 2024
• 👀 Anyone can now legally use that version of Mickey Mouse for commercial purposes
• 😮‍💨 Other depictions and trademarks of Mickey Mouse are still protected outside of Steamboat Willie
• 🤔 Disney may leverage trademarks to limit public use of Mickey Mouse
• 🧐 Legal complexities around trademarks make public use tricky
• 😃 The copyright expiration is great for art and creativity
• 🤩 Anyone can profit from re-uploading or remixing Steamboat Willie
• 😲 Mickey's iconic looks like red shorts aren't public domain yet
• 😎 We can celebrate Mickey Mouse entering public domain on January 1st, 2024
• 🤓 There are still legal risks to avoid when using Mickey Mouse commercially

Q & A

What happened to Steamboat Willie's copyright on January 1st, 2024?

The copyright expired and Steamboat Willie entered the public domain in the United States.

What was the significance of Steamboat Willie entering the public domain?

It was the first appearance of Mickey Mouse, so now anyone can use Mickey from Steamboat Willie without permission, including in low-budget films, indie games, re-uploads, etc.

Even though Steamboat Willie is public domain, what parts of Mickey Mouse are still protected?

While you can use the version of Mickey from Steamboat Willie, his iconic characteristics like red shorts and white gloves may still be protected by trademarks.

Why could Disney's trademarks make it difficult to use Mickey Mouse freely?

Trademarks don't expire, so Disney could use them to prevent unapproved uses of iconic parts of Mickey like his looks and name.

What theory video from last year seems relevant now?

A Game Theory video about how Disney might use trademarks to keep Mickey Mouse protected under law forever.

How is January 1st, 2024 a cause for celebration?

Mickey entering the public domain is an incredible day for art and creativity, allowing more people to freely use and remix the original Steamboat Willie Mickey.

Can I now legally make and sell Steamboat Willie merchandise?

Yes, you can now make and sell merchandise featuring Mickey as he appears in Steamboat Willie without needing Disney's permission.

Could Disney file a lawsuit against me for using Mickey Mouse in my own work?

Possibly, if you use iconic parts of Mickey that are still protected by trademarks. But the Steamboat Willie version is safe to use freely.

What should I watch out for if I want to use Mickey Mouse without issues?

Make sure to only use the Mickey depicted in Steamboat Willie, not modern versions with iconic characteristics Disney might still hold trademarks over.

When can I expect other early Mickey Mouse cartoons to enter the public domain?

Other Mickey cartoons will gradually enter the public domain over the next 20 years in the U.S. as their individual copyright terms expire.