Aida Nadhirah

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disney

copyright

united states

mickey mouse

walt disney

winnie the pooh

bambi

public domain

steamboat willie

Disney has bid farewell to the copyright protection of the early version of Mickey Mouse, famously known for his debut in the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie. The 95-year term granted under U.S. copyright laws has finally expired, paving the way for this iconic character to enter the public domain. As the copyright curtain falls, it opens up a world of possibilities, bringing both excitement and apprehension among fans and industry experts alike.
The Copyright Landscape In The U.S.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ff770cac27c0d74298a87678bad0d387e79a5d72576f7e87326031f0965f3b11" alt="" width="422" height="336" /> Early version of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie (1928)
The foundation of U.S. copyright laws lies in the Constitution, empowering Congress to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing the exclusive right of authors and inventors to their respective writings and discoveries for a limited time. This constitutional mandate led to the Copyright Act of 1790, marking the birth of copyright laws in the United States.
Over the years, the duration of copyright protection has seen several modifications. The Copyright Act of 1976 established a copyright term of life plus 50 years, but in 1998, the Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA) extended the term to life plus 70 years or 95 years for corporate works. 
This extension aimed to balance providing creators with adequate protection and ensuring the eventual entry of works into the public domain.
Mickey Mouse's journey to the public domain is not unprecedented. When Steamboat Willie made its debut in November 1928, U.S. legislation initially stipulated that it would transition into the public domain no later than 1984. 
However, the trajectory changed due to the enactment of two distinct laws&mdash; one in 1976 and another in 1998&mdash; extending the maximum copyright term by twenty years each.&nbsp;
Notably, these extensions resulted from vigorous advocacy efforts by Disney. The latter law, known mockingly as the Mickey Mouse Protection Act, specifically, the Copyright Term Extension Act, played a significant role in prolonging the copyright protection for iconic characters.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ef8026cb136129831d7cf7029f9d96184a0d08b0b697ab0a74aa93d2b1f1f547" alt="" width="289" height="299" /> This modern version of Mickey Mouse is still under copyright protection
The Public Domain Chronicles
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9eaca8955b2e6307b13598ccb57130fc1e1a462a234c900ded8a1169b12be3af" alt="" width="436" height="402" /> An early version of Winnie the Pooh and Bambi
Mickey Mouse's journey to the public domain is not unprecedented. In 2022, beloved characters like Winnie the Pooh and Bambi also entered the public domain, unleashing a wave of creativity and reinterpretation. 
Once a work enters the public domain, it means that the intellectual property rights have expired or been forfeited, allowing anyone to use, adapt, and distribute the work without seeking permission or paying royalties.
Created by A.A. Milne, the honey-loving bear made his literary debut in 1926. Fast forward to 2022, and the original Winnie the Pooh stories entered the public domain, unlocking a treasure trove of creative possibilities. With the entry of Winnie the Pooh into the public domain, artists and writers seized the opportunity to reimagine the beloved characters.&nbsp;
Independent filmmakers crafted short films, illustrators created new visual interpretations, and authors penned original stories inspired by the timeless charm of the Hundred Acre Wood. This renaissance paid homage to Milne's creations and breathed fresh life into the characters for contemporary audiences.
With Winnie The Pooh entering the public domain, Rhys Frake-Waterfield, writer/director, took the chance to release his low-budget slasher film, Winnie the Pooh: Blood And Honey, earlier last year. 
While the public was shocked with the mature version of Winnie the Pooh compared to what they&rsquo;re used to, Rhys&rsquo; move was completely legal since the beloved character is now in the public domain &ndash; free for all to use.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3fe946e461291652db7110b6f3b8480b7aa8969cb920f689c7bff7e9b183c2e8" alt="" width="504" height="448" /> Winnie the Pooh: Blood And Honey (2023)
The Broader Implications Of Copyright Expiration
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/ddcc14e0b1ab09c212567c82391b764351be689a51bbec401c9e7ae6238bfc17" alt="" width="453" height="465" />
The expiration of copyright terms extends beyond the realm of animated characters. It impacts literature, music, film, and various other creative domains. As works enter the public domain, they become cultural assets, providing a rich tapestry for future generations to explore and build upon. 
Though admittedly, it is hard to navigate the realm of copyright as the public is divided into two &ndash; the one who supports creative works should be protected for the sake of its creators and the one who champions easily accessible works for innovation. This reflects a delicate balance between protecting the rights of creators and promoting the public interest.
The future of Mickey Mouse is now on the balance as it steps into the public domain &ndash; the possibilities are boundless. Independent filmmakers, animators, and artists now have the chance to explore new narratives, styles, and interpretations of this timeless character. Fan communities may flourish, creating a vibrant ecosystem of Mickey-inspired content.
On the flip side, Disney faces the challenge of maintaining control over its iconic mascot. While the 1928 version of Mickey Mouse is now freely available for creative expression, Disney's modern iterations and adaptations remain under copyright protection. The company must navigate this dynamic landscape carefully to ensure its brand and the character's legacy are not compromised.
You can read the full list of creative works that went into the public domain <a href="https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/publicdomainday/2022/">here.</a>
As we witness this new chapter unfolding in Mickey Mouse's journey, one thing is certain &ndash; the magic of this beloved character will continue to captivate audiences, whether through nostalgic reimaginings or innovative, contemporary adaptations. The public domain offers a canvas for creativity, and only time will reveal the diverse and imaginative ways Mickey Mouse will be rediscovered and celebrated by generations to come. So, let&rsquo;s keep our eyes open to what&rsquo;s in store for Mickey Mouse!
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to The New York Times &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Disney Loses Rights To Early Mickey Mouse As Copyright Expires: What Happens Next?

Disney Loses Rights To Early Mickey Mouse As Copyright Expires: What Happens Next?

Oh, boy!

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