US copyright expiration allows public access to Disney's original Mickey and Minnie Mouse characters

The 1928 animated short film Steamboat Willie, featuring early versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, is considered a turning point in Disney's success and cinema history. Recently, the copyright for these characters expired, allowing the public to use and modify the original versions of Mickey and Minnie without permission or cost. However, Disney clarified that more modern iterations of the characters are still protected by copyright. This change in copyright law means that other films, books, music, and characters from 1928 have also entered the public domain in the US. Notably, the UK has its own copyright rules with different expiration dates. In the past, Disney has fought to protect the copyright of its original cartoons and succeeded in extending the term. The expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright is seen as a significant milestone, allowing people to copy, share, and build upon the original cartoons from 1928. However, Disney still holds trademarks on Mickey and Minnie, which limit the public's use of these images, particularly in merchandise. While some worry about potential misuse of these beloved characters, including the possibility of horror movie adaptations, Disney aims to protect their iconic status while embracing their role as global ambassadors.