When it comes to making the most of intellectual property law, one newly expired copyright could put present day creators in a rat race to make new content from old characters.
On Jan. 1, 2024, one of the earliest versions of media giant Disney’s staple cartoon character Mickey Mouse officially entered public domain.
According to U.S. copyright law, 1928’s “Steamboat Willie” iteration of Mickey Mouse is now fair game for use by anyone, though Disney is more than likely prepared to sue anyone who uses imagery too close to the company’s modern day mascot.
With early Mickey now ripe for the taking, it remains to be seen how quickly the word of mouse spreads’ across the media landscape.
