"Iconic Disney Characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie, and Tigger to Enter Public Domain in 2024"

The earliest version of Mickey Mouse, as seen in the 1928 short film "Steamboat Willie," will enter the public domain in 2024, marking a significant moment in copyright law. While Disney still holds a trademark on Mickey as a corporate mascot, the expiration of the copyright will allow artists and creators to make use of the original mischievous, non-speaking boat captain version of Mickey. However, more modern versions of Mickey will remain under copyright protection. The public domain status of Mickey Mouse raises questions about what aspects of the character are copyrightable, and Disney will continue to protect its rights in the newer versions of Mickey. Other works, such as Charlie Chaplin's film "Circus" and Virginia Woolf's novel "Orlando," will also enter the public domain in 2024.