On Jan 1, 2024, copyright to Disney's legendary Mickey & Minnie Mouse cartoon characters expired. They are in the public domain now. See below for more details.
Nancy O'Shea— Product User, Community Expert & Moderator
Mickey and Minnie were originally scheduled to enter the public domain in 2004 — the customary 75 year mark. However it was so important for Disney to retain copyright, they fought tooth & nail for a 20 year extension from Congress. But that's as far as they could take it.
Nancy O'Shea— Product User, Community Expert & Moderator
Disney didn't seek a prolongation. They once got one for an additional 20 years, for most work that would be enough, but for someone like Disney, that is like a dying cash cow…
ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
@John T Smith, as I understand it, the image of Mickey in “Steamboat Willie” is the only public-domain image. Even if you add his trademark gloves, which came later, you may be subject to a copyright violation. If they lost claim to one (crappy) image of Mickey Mouse, I don't think it's too much to crow about.
…and not to forget: Disney owns the trademark to Mikey! That's the smoking gun to sue anyone coming only near to the Mikey design. Trademarks are valid forever, as long as they are used and proof of use can be provided.
I collected year for year proof of use of our trademarks to prove the use in specific regions of the world, when the renewal date came along.
ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
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