Mickey Mouse's 'Steamboat Willie' Version Enters Public Domain in 2024

Disney to Continue Protecting Rights in Modern Versions, Safeguard Against Unauthorized Uses

Mickey Mouse, in his earliest form as seen in the 1928 short 'Steamboat Willie', will enter the public domain in 2024.
The copyright expiration only applies to the specific version of Mickey Mouse featured in 'Steamboat Willie', not more modern versions.
Disney will continue to hold a trademark on Mickey Mouse as a corporate mascot and brand identifier.
Other properties entering the U.S. public domain in 2024 include Charlie Chaplin’s film 'Circus', Virginia Woolf’s novel 'Orlando', and Bertolt Brecht’s musical play 'The Threepenny Opera'.
Disney has stated it will work to safeguard against consumer confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey and their other iconic characters.