Disney to lose its copyright protection for iconic Mickey Mouse in January 1, 2024

As the clock ticks down to midnight on January 1, 2024, Disney's iconic character, Mickey Mouse, is set to lose its copyright protection. In 1928, Walt Disney, in a twist of fate, lost the rights to his earlier creation, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Undeterred, he transformed the character into the beloved Mickey Mouse, ensuring ownership of the copyrights this time.

However, copyrights have a lifespan, and Mickey Mouse's copyright, which was expected to expire in 1984, was extended through lobbying efforts by Disney. Despite subsequent extensions, the copyright protection is now set to end, allowing others to use Mickey Mouse's character without Disney's permission.

However, there's a catch. The copyright expiration specifically applies to the original version featured in the cartoon "Steamboat Willie," characterized by a lean black-and-white Mickey with distinct features. While this version becomes open for adaptation, Disney's extensive catalog of newer versions remains protected by their individual copyrights, expiring only when each turns 95 years old.

This distinction ensures that the billions of dollars generated annually by the Mickey Mouse brand remain secure, as newer versions are not yet open to unauthorized use. Additionally, Disney retains the trademark for the Mickey Mouse brand, providing perpetual protection against deceptive usage.

Despite legal safeguards, there remains a potential challenge for Disney concerning brand reputation. Similar to Winnie the Pooh's copyright expiration leading to a horror film portrayal, the 1928 version of Mickey Mouse could face negative portrayals, potentially impacting future sales. The extent of this challenge will only become apparent over time.