According to the Associated Press 22**, the copyright of Mickey Mouse, the representative image of Disney, will expire on January 1, 2024, and the public will be able to use this ** shape for free, but only the original version of the Mickey Mouse design in "Steamboat Willie", and the subsequent revision is still within the copyright protection period.
The original Mickey Mouse (left) and the modern Mickey Mouse (right).
As the most iconic character in American pop culture, the Mickey Mouse in the 1928 animated short "Steamboat Willie" will not be protected by Disney's copyright from 2024, a moment that many observers once thought would never come. Jennifer Jenkins, director of the Center for Public Domain Research at Duke University and a professor of law, excitedly said in an interview with the Associated Press, "It's Mickey Mouse, it's so symbolic!""The original 1928 version of Mickey Mouse had no whites, no gloves, and was more playful and mouse-like, unlike the later version of Mickey Mouse, who wore red shorts, white gloves, and a more rounded face. Historically, Disney has repeatedly lobbied the U.S. authorities to amend the relevant copyright laws and extend the validity period of Mickey Mouse's copyright, from the original 56 years to 95 years, so much so that people jokingly call the U.S. copyright law "Mickey Mouse Protection".
A Disney spokesperson said, "Ever since Mickey Mouse first appeared in Steamboat Willie, people have associated this image with Disney, and that won't change even if the copyright expires." A more modern version of Mickey Mouse is unaffected, and it will continue to play a leading role in our stories, theme parks, and merchandise as Disney's global ambassador. We also do our best to prevent the unauthorized use of Mickey Mouse and other iconic characters to avoid confusion among consumers. ”
Over the years, ordinary people, artists, and creators have had many restrictions when it comes to using Mickey Mouse. American media "Variety" interviewed Dan O'Neal, an artist who had gone to court with Disney, in the 70s of the last century, he was sued by Disney for "magically modifying" the Mickey Mouse comics without authorization, and was sentenced to never draw this ** character again, "otherwise I will have to pay a fine of $190,000, $10,000 in attorney fees, and 1 year in prison." O'Neill said that the reason for the re-creation of Mickey Mouse is to associate the mouse with Disney's conservative politics and the United States, because it represents consumerism, cultural imperialism and childhood memories. And from January 1 next year, O'Neill will finally be free to pick up the brush again, "We're all trapped by Mickey Mouse, it should belong to everyone". (Global Times).