DIS - Disney Classics Set Free: Mickey Mouse Minnie Mouse Tigger Now In Public Domain — But There's A Small Catch | Benzinga
In a landmark shift, Walt Disney Co‘s (NYSE:DIS) beloved character, Mickey Mouse, among various other works, will enter the public domain on the first day of the new year. This move comes as copyrights from 1928 expire, paving the way for various potential creative endeavors.
What Happened: A report from The New York Times indicates that starting Jan. 1, 2024, a host of copyrighted works, including the original Mickey Mouse, will transition into the public domain in the United States, following the expiration of their 95-year copyright terms. This change implies that these characters and narratives can be redesigned and reshaped without necessitating permission.
Other characters such as Minnie Mouse and Tigger will also be available for fresh interpretations.
However, this applies only to the original black-and-white renditions of these characters, as Disney is renowned for vigorously safeguarding its copyrights.
Jennifer Jenkins, director of the Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke Law School, highlighted the significance of this event, stating it is essential for preserving cultural history and ...