Change is on the horizon for The Walt Disney Company as more classic characters enter the public domain. Disney successfully delayed the expiration of copyrights for decades, lobbying for extended protections under what some activists dubbed “The Mickey Mouse Protection Act.” Despite these efforts, the earliest versions of Mickey Mouse, including the iconic Steamboat Willie (1928), entered the public domain earlier this year.
Once Steamboat Willie became public, creatives quickly reimagined the black-and-white character in video games, short horror films, and other unconventional projects. Disney also lost copyright protections for early versions of other beloved characters, such as Minnie Mouse and Tigger. However, the company made it clear that it would continue to defend the modern versions of these characters.
“Ever since Mickey Mouse’s first appearance in the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie, people have associated the character with Disney’s stories, experiences, and authentic products,” a Disney spokesperson said. “That will not change when the copyright in the Steamboat Willie film expires.”
“More modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in our storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise,” they continued. “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright.”
Almost a year after losing rights to Steamboat Willie, Disney faces the expiration of additional early works. On January 1, 2025, The Karnival Kid (1929) will enter the public domain. This short is historically significant, as it features the first speaking version of Mickey Mouse.
Eleven other Mickey Mouse shorts, including The Barn Dance (1929), The Opry House (1929), and The Haunted House (1929), will also lose their copyright protections. These works include appearances from Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle Cow, Pete, and other characters.
Disney’s loss of copyright on these early works means that the public can use these versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in creative projects without fear of legal repercussions.
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