All articles tagged with #copyrightexpiration
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Wall Street Journal
Disney's iconic character Mickey Mouse has entered the public domain following the expiration of its copyright, leading to new, unauthorized and gruesome interpretations of the character. These reimaginings are a stark contrast to the wholesome image traditionally associated with Mickey, showcasing him in violent and disturbing scenarios.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The A.V. Club
As 2024 begins, a variety of classic works have entered the public domain alongside "Steamboat Willie," including other Mickey Mouse shorts like "Plane Crazy" and "The Galloping Gaucho," as well as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons. Tigger from A.A. Milne's "The House At Pooh Corner" is now free to use, and notable books such as Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" and Erich Maria Remarque’s "All Quiet On The Western Front" are also available for new adaptations. Films from 1928 like "The Singing Fool" and "The Cameraman" have become public property, and songs like "Mack The Knife" and "When You’re Smiling" can now be covered without paying royalties, although some recorded versions may still be copyrighted. This shift opens the door for creators to explore and reinvent these classic works without legal restrictions.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NBC News
Mickey Mouse has entered the public domain, allowing non-Disney creators to use early versions of the character for the first time in 95 years. This has led to the announcement of two horror movies and a video game featuring Mickey, as well as a surge of memes depicting the character in various controversial scenarios. The character's newfound public domain status has sparked discussions about copyright law and Disney's history of extending protections for its intellectual property. The Walt Disney Company has not yet commented on these developments.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
Mickey Mouse, the iconic Disney character, is set to become the villain in at least two horror movies following the entry of "Steamboat Willie" into the public domain. "Mickey's Mouse Trap" and another unnamed film directed by Steven LaMorte are in the works, exploiting the character's newly available early design from the 1928 animation. Disney's modern Mickey remains copyrighted, and the company has expressed intent to protect its rights and prevent consumer confusion. This development comes after the horror adaptation of "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey," which was also made possible by the expiration of the original character's copyright.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo Finance
The iconic "Steamboat Willie" version of Mickey Mouse, which introduced Disney's famous mascot in 1928, has officially entered the public domain as of January 1, 2024. This development follows the expiration of the character's copyright, allowing the early Mickey Mouse to be used freely. For a detailed analysis of Mickey Mouse's copyright journey and implications, viewers can watch the full episode of Yahoo Finance Live.