Joanna Mutton
❘ Published: 2024-01-02T17:22:45 ❘ Updated: 2024-01-02T17:23:16
The first-ever depiction of Disney’s mascot has entered the public domain. For what ? And what will be the impact on the entertainment industry?
A multitude of iconic and beloved characters entered the public domain this week, including the original Peter Pan, and the innocent Tigger from the stories of Winnie the Pooh.
But the one who gets the most attention is Mickey: visible in the trailer for a horror film called Mickey’s Mouse Trap, the iconic Disney mouse plays with a knife. And this is not trivial: if a slasher was designed around the character, it is because the copyright of the latter has become accessible to everyone.
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The entry of the big-eared icon into the public domain nevertheless comes with several caveats. We will explain everything to you.
Steamboat Willie and Mickey Mouse: A History of Dates and Copyrights
Mickey Mouse entered the public domain on January 1, 2024, alongside his friend Minnie Mouse. However, filmmakers will have to be careful how they portray the character, as the version available is only that of Steamboat Willie.
Mickey Mouse actually made his debut in two animated short films: Steamboat Willie et Plane Crazy in 1928. And its first appearances were different from the most famous version.
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The Mickey Mouse of Steamboat Willie doesn’t speak – he just whistles. Thus, those who wish to use the character will not be able to give him the high-pitched voice, which has since become one of the mouse’s trademarks.
To this detail are added other points: first, this first Mickey does not wear the white gloves that we now know. Then it is black and white. It is therefore impossible to dress him in his iconic red shorts, under penalty of becoming the target of a lawsuit from the Disney company.
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Because the company has thought of everything: it holds several licenses for its character. Mickey is thus registered as a brand identifier in the United States, but also as a corporate mascot. Thus, derivative products and other mouse merchandising items remain covered by copyright.
What this means for Mickey Mouse internationally
Faced with the situation which promises to be complex, Disney has taken the lead and published a statement, reported by CNN.
into frame productions
According to the company, “More modern versions of Mickey are unaffected by the expiration of Steamboat Willie’s copyrights, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in the stories, attractions of theme park and merchandise.“
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Before adding: “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights to more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright.” So, notice to the smart guys who would like to take advantage of a possible confusion: the company will not give up.
For impact on a global scale, it is The Guardian who offered an explanation: “Anyone in the United States can use the 1928 short film to create new stories and artwork depicting Steamboat Willie.“
“But because copyright protections vary from country to country, Steamboat Willie will remain protected until at least 2042 in some jurisdictions that extend protection to works 70 years after the death of the last remaining author or creator – but the co-creator of Steamboat Willie, Ub Iwerks, did not die until 1971.”
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And to learn more about the horror film Mickey’s Mouse Trapit’s this way.
2024-01-03 00:02:17
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