Harvard University is releasing a massive dataset of nearly 1 million public-domain books to aid AI training, funded by OpenAI and Microsoft. This initiative aims to democratize access to high-quality data for AI development, offering an alternative to copyrighted materials. The dataset, part of Harvard's Institutional Data Initiative, includes diverse works from Shakespeare to Czech math textbooks. This move aligns with ongoing efforts to create accessible AI training resources amid legal challenges over the use of copyrighted data.
Microsoft has introduced Copilot, an AI app that competes with ChatGPT and features a new dedicated key on Windows keyboards. The newsletter also highlights various tech and entertainment recommendations, including a physical keyboard for iPhones, a Netflix documentary on crypto, and a new Wordle-like trivia game. Additionally, it covers the public domain entry of Mickey Mouse and other works, a full tour of the Tesla Cybertruck, and various apps and games that the community and the author are currently enjoying.
Disney has withdrawn a copyright claim against a YouTube video by Brock Baker featuring the 1928 cartoon "Steamboat Willie," which recently entered the public domain. Baker's remixed version with his own comedic audio was initially demonetized and restricted, but after disputing the claim, the video is now monetizable and accessible worldwide. This retraction by Disney may signal recognition that "Steamboat Willie" and its depiction of Mickey Mouse are now free for public use, clarifying the legal landscape for creators using the iconic character in new works.
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.
YouTube demonetized and restricted a video by voice actor Brock Baker, which featured the public domain 1928 Disney cartoon "Steamboat Willie" with his own voiceover. Despite "Steamboat Willie" entering the public domain on January 1, 2024, which should allow for free use and monetization, the video was likely flagged by YouTube's automated Content ID system that hadn't been updated to reflect the work's new public domain status. Legal experts confirm that Baker's use of the cartoon should be legitimate, and the situation highlights the need for platforms to adjust their copyright enforcement mechanisms to accommodate public domain works. Mashable has reached out to YouTube for comment and will update on the status of Baker's video.
Disney has lost copyright protection for the original version of Mickey Mouse, which debuted in 1928's "Steamboat Willie," allowing filmmakers to create horror movies featuring the character, such as "Mickey's Mouse Trap." While Disney still holds rights to later versions of Mickey Mouse and other characters like Donald Duck and Goofy, the lapse in protection for the original Mickey has led to the production of slasher films and video games using the character's likeness. Disney CEO Bob Iger is facing multiple challenges, but the emergence of these low-budget horror adaptations exploiting the now-public domain Mickey Mouse may be a minor issue compared to others.
As iconic characters like Mickey Mouse's "Steamboat Willie" iteration enter the public domain, companies like Disney face new challenges and opportunities. While the public can now legally use these characters, Disney's trademarks still protect many aspects of their intellectual property. The success of films like "Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey" demonstrates the potential for monetizing public domain characters, but experts warn that using elements too close to trademarked versions could lead to legal trouble. Disney and other companies are expected to rely on trademark law to protect their interests while also focusing on creating new intellectual property to sustain growth.
On the same day that "Steamboat Willie" entered the public domain, a horror movie trailer titled "Mickey’s Mouse Trap" was released, featuring a murderous version of Mickey Mouse. The film, directed by Jamie Bailey and written by Simon Phillips, who also stars as the villain, draws inspiration from other horror franchises and capitalizes on the newly public domain character. This follows a trend of turning classic children's characters into horror villains, as seen with "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey."
Director Steven LaMorte announced the production of a horror movie featuring Mickey Mouse as the villain, coinciding with the character's "Steamboat Willie" iteration entering the public domain. LaMorte's film will begin production in New York City in the spring, aiming to offer an age-appropriate re-engagement with the beloved Disney mascot for adults. This follows a similar move by directors Jamie Bailey and Simon Phillips, who released a trailer for their own Mickey Mouse horror film, "Mickey's Mouse Trap." LaMorte is developing a legal strategy to differentiate his character from Disney's current Mickey Mouse designs and plans to release the movie by the end of the year.
The iconic character Mickey Mouse from the 1928 short "Steamboat Willie" has entered the public domain, leading to the development of at least two horror films featuring the character. "Mickey's Mouse Trap" and an untitled film by director Steven LaMorte are in the works, with the former already releasing a trailer. These projects follow a trend of public domain characters being used in horror flicks, as seen with "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey." Disney has stated that while the original versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse are now public domain, they will continue to protect the rights of the modern versions of their characters.
Shortly after "Steamboat Willie," the earliest version of Mickey Mouse, entered the public domain, two horror movies featuring the character were announced. "Mickey's Mouse Trap" and an untitled film by director Steven LaMorte are set to transform the iconic character into a horror figure, following a trend started by "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey." While Disney's modern Mickey remains copyrighted, the filmmakers are legally using the original character design and taking care to avoid infringing on Disney's rights.
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.
The iconic character Mickey Mouse, as depicted in the 1928 film "Steamboat Willie," has entered the public domain, leading to the announcement of at least two horror movies inspired by the character. Disney's copyright on the film expired, allowing independent filmmakers to use the early version of Mickey without legal repercussions, provided they avoid suggesting any association with Disney. The horror-comedy adaptation by Steven LaMorte and the indie slasher flick "Mickey's Mouse Trap" directed by Jamie Bailey are set to offer a twisted take on the beloved character. This follows a trend of turning classic children's characters into horror villains, as seen with "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey."
Rhys Frake-Waterfield, director of "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey," has avoided creating a project based on Steamboat Willie, which recently entered the public domain, due to potential legal complications with Disney's trademarks. While other filmmakers rush to capitalize on the public domain status with horror adaptations, Frake-Waterfield warns of the legal nuances and risks involved. He emphasizes the importance of quality and originality in his own projects, which include a horror twist on Peter Pan, and advises caution to others using newly public domain characters to avoid costly legal battles with Disney.
The earliest version of Mickey Mouse from "Steamboat Willie" has entered the public domain and is now being used in horror films. Two movies are in the works: "Mickey's Mouse Trap," with a trailer already released, and an untitled film by director Steven LaMorte. Disney's iconic character's copyright expired after 95 years, allowing only the initial versions of Mickey and Minnie to be used freely. Disney plans to protect the rights of modern versions of their characters, while filmmakers are taking legal precautions to avoid infringing on Disney's copyrights.
