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This iconic mouse is weeks away fromn being in the public domain Jan. 1, 2024, is the day when ‘Steamboat Willie’ enters the public domain
This iconic mouse is weeks away fromn being in the public domain Jan. 1, 2024, is the day when ‘Steamboat Willie’ enters the public domain
Disney originally fought Steamboat Willie becoming public domain via Sonny Bono because it was the home video era and it meant that anyone could sell VHS tapes with Steamboat Willie on them. It’s no longer really relevant and Mickey is still trademarked, so they don’t have much of a reason to fight it at this point.
No reason to fight it? How about keeping Mickey locked behind copyright to be sold and licensed for another generation? Maybe not as popular as it once was, but it’s one remake away from being a new smash hit again.
Mickey is already trademarked. That is not necessary.