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

The Film Theorists

25 Jan 202401:00

Summary

TLDRMickey 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.

Outlines

00:00

😆Mickey Mouse enters public domain, but Disney still owns trademarks

Paragraph 1 discusses how the original 1928 Mickey Mouse from Steamboat Willie entered the public domain on January 1st, 2024 in the US. This means anyone can now use that version of Mickey freely, including in films, games, and reuploads of the cartoon. However, Disney's later iterations of Mickey with the red shorts, white gloves, etc. are still under copyright. Trademarks also still restrict commercial uses of the Mickey Mouse name and image.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is an iconic cartoon character created by Walt Disney. He first appeared in the 1928 animated film Steamboat Willie. In the video, Mickey Mouse is mentioned as entering the public domain on January 1st, 2024, when the copyright for Steamboat Willie expired. This means that the version of Mickey from that original cartoon can now be used freely by anyone. However, trademark protections may still limit how Mickey's name and image can be used.

💡copyright

Copyright is a form of legal protection granting exclusive rights over creative works. The video discusses how the copyright for the Mickey Mouse cartoon Steamboat Willie has now expired, putting that specific work in the public domain. However, Mickey Mouse as a character still has some legal protections through trademarks.

💡public domain

The public domain refers to creative works that are not protected by copyright and can be used freely by anyone. In the video, Steamboat Willie entered the public domain on January 1st, 2024, so that specific cartoon and the version of Mickey Mouse in it can now be used without permission.

💡trademark

A trademark protects names, logos, images, and other brand identifiers. The video mentions Disney may use trademarks to continue controlling how the Mickey Mouse name and image are used. Trademarks do not expire like copyrights.

💡creativity

Creativity refers to the use of imagination and original ideas to create something new. The video talks about how the expiration of Mickey Mouse's copyright is a win for creativity, as artists can now put their own creative spin on the character.

💡legal protections

Legal protections like copyright and trademark give creators control over their work and prevent unauthorized use. The video examines how Mickey Mouse still has some legal protections through trademarks even though his copyright has expired.

💡art

Art refers to creative works and expressions, such as films, games, and other media. The video suggests Mickey Mouse entering the public domain will allow more artistic works using the character to be created.

💡open culture

An open culture values sharing ideas and creativity freely. The video implies Mickey joining the public domain will contribute to a more open culture where anyone can use the iconic character in their own creative works.

💡parody

A parody imitates something in a humorous or exaggerated way. The video mentions people can now create parodies of Steamboat Willie and Mickey Mouse without worrying about copyright issues.

💡media

Media refers to communication methods like films, music, games, etc. that creatives use to express ideas. The video talks about using Mickey Mouse freely in various media like indie films and games now that he's in the public domain.

Highlights

Steamboat Willie entered the public domain in the US on January 1, 2024

This was the first appearance of Mickey Mouse, so now anyone can use Mickey from this cartoon

You can profit from re-uploading and monetizing Steamboat Willie yourself

Only the original Mickey design is public domain, not later appearances with changes

Disney may use trademarks to protect Mickey Mouse forever

We discussed Disney's trademark tactics in a previous theory video

This day marks an incredible advancement for art and creativity

Because the first Mickey Mouse is now in the public domain

Anyone can now legally use that classic Mickey Mouse design

This enables many new creative works with the iconic character

Like indie films, games, and content using the public domain Mickey

But Disney's later Mickey iterations may still be protected

Trademarks could let Disney control Mickey Mouse indefinitely

We covered Disney's clever trademark tactics before

So celebrate classic Mickey but stay cautious of Disney's power