Iconic Mickey Mouse goes public domain - a new dawn or a threat to Disney?
2 Minutes of reading
Mickey Mouse, the Disney character, has entered the public domain in the United States on January 1, 2024. This means that, from now on, anyone can use Mickey's image without obtaining permission from Disney.
Mickey Mouse's first appearance was in the short film Steamboat Willie, released in 1928. Since then, the mouse has become one of the world's most popular characters, and his image has been used on a wide range of products and services.
Mickey Mouse's move into the public domain is a historic event, as it marks the end of 95 years of copyright protection. It opens the door to new creative possibilities, but it could also have a negative impact on Disney's business.
Disney has expressed concern about Mickey Mouse entering the public domain. The company fears that this could harm its business, as others may use the character's image to create products and services that compete with its own.
However, there are also those who believe that Mickey Mouse's move into the public domain can be positive. Some believe it could lead to new and creative interpretations of the character. Others believe it could help promote Disney culture and history.
Possible consequences of the Mickey Mouse public domain
The consequences of Mickey Mouse's public domain are still difficult to predict. However, the following changes are possible:
Increased creativity: The public domain of Mickey Mouse could lead to new and creative interpretations of the character. This could include movies, TV series, video games, books, comics, etc.
Appearance of new products and services: Other creators could use Mickey Mouse's image to create new products and services. This could include toys, clothing, stationery, etc.
Changes in Disney's business: Disney may be forced to modify its business to adapt to the Mickey Mouse public domain. This could include launching new products and services, or diversifying its offerings.
Is it a new dawn or a threat?
Mickey Mouse's public domain is an event that marks a new chapter in the character's history. It is possible that this event will have a positive or negative impact on Disney, but it is a historic moment that will surely lead to new and exciting creative possibilities.
In Spain, the situation is situation is different. Spanish law establishes that copyrights on protected works expire 80 years after the author's death. In the case of Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney died in 1966, so the image of the character will not enter the public domain in Spain until January 1, 2047.
A new Mickey Mouse movie (Mickey's Mouse Trap) has already been announced in the United States. The movie is a horror movie, in the trailer you can see how the mouse is a murderer. Of course, it has no Disney supervision, due to the novelty of Mickey being in the public domain.
Watch the trailer here:
Video trailer uploaded by the FilmSelect English channel
Conclusion
Will Mickey Mouse's public domain be a new dawn or a threat to Disney? Time will tell. What is clear, however, is that this event marks a historic moment that will surely have a significant impact on popular culture.
