In November 1928, Walt Disney revolutionized the animation industry with the release of "Steamboat Willie," a cartoon that showcased synchronized sound and introduced the world to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Mickey Mouse, in particular, evolved into an emblematic figure for Disney, permeating every facet of its branding, from theme parks to television shows. However, as of January 2024, a significant shift occurred: the copyright for "Steamboat Willie" expired, placing this version of Mickey Mouse in the public domain in the United States.

Disney's efforts to retain control over its beloved character are a testament to the evolving nature of copyright law in the U.S. Originally set to expire in 1984, Disney's lobbying led to a pivotal change in 1976, extending copyright protections to the life of the author plus 50 years. This extension was further pushed in 1998 to life plus 70 years, capping at a maximum of 95 years.

With "Steamboat Willie" now in the public domain, anyone in the U.S. can utilize this specific portrayal of Mickey Mouse without the risk of copyright infringement. This development opens a myriad of creative possibilities, as evidenced by the recent release of a Mickey Mouse horror film trailer and various digital reinterpretations of the original footage.

However, the entry of Mickey Mouse into the public domain isn't a carte blanche for unlimited use of his likeness. Mickey, alongside Minnie, made their debut in the 1928 animation "Steamboat Willie." With the advent of 2024, "Steamboat Willie" became a part of the public domain, allowing the public to freely share, modify, or build upon the characters as depicted in this specific film. Yet, this freedom comes with significant limitations and complexities.

The iteration of Mickey Mouse that has entered the public domain is exclusively the one from "Steamboat Willie," which is markedly distinct from his later appearances in Disney's portfolio. In "Steamboat Willie," Mickey is characterized by simple black oval eyes, a stark contrast to the large, white, pupil-equipped eyes seen in the 1940 "Fantasia." This early version of Mickey is also gloveless, a feature that was introduced in 1929. Furthermore, the "Steamboat Willie" Mickey is presented in black and white, predating his transition to color in 1935. These distinctions are crucial, as they define the specific version of Mickey that is now publicly accessible, while later versions remain under Disney's copyright protection.

Thus, despite this shift, Disney retains copyright over subsequent versions of Mickey Mouse, characterized by his iconic red shorts and large eyes. Disney's statement to the Associated Press reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding these modern interpretations of their cherished character.

Also, it is important to add that since copyright laws vary internationally, in some countries, the "Steamboat Willie" version of Mickey Mouse remains under copyright protection, highlighting the complexities of intellectual property rights in a global context.