Disney set to lose iconic Mickey Mouse character in 2024
Disney set to lose iconic Mickey Mouse character in 2024The popular cartoon character Mickey Mouse’s 95-year-old copyright will expire in 2024, allowing anyone to use him in non-Disney projects.
According to The Daily Mail, an artist’s intellectual rights on their work ends 95 years after the initial publication under US copyright law.
In 1928, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks released a one-minute black-and-white short film that featured Mickey Mouse for the first time.
Disney’s copyright was then protected for 56 years, but the company promptly fought for another 75-year copyright protection under the Copyright Act of 1976.
Then, in 1998, Disney was granted yet another extension, this time for an additional 95 years.
Mickey Mouse is a mythical figure who, during the American Great Depression, came to represent hope. He initially appeared in a 1928 short film with perfectly synchronized sound.
Winnie the Pooh’s copyright expired in January, and Mickey’s did too.
After Winnie’s special material expires, a horror film based on the beloved bear will be released.