Why the original Mickey Mouse copyright is expiring on New Year’s Day

nypost.com:

an annual Jan. 1 column for “Public Domain Day.” “It wasn’t just Disney that was pushing for term extension. It was a whole group of copyright holders whose works were set to go into the public domain soon, who benefited greatly from the 20 years of extra protection,” she said.

However, more modern versions of Mickey and Minnie are still protected under the law. Disney said it would closely monitor interpretations of the characters.

The only version available in the public domain is Steamboat Willie, whose more rat-like appearance looks remarkably different than the iconic modern Mickey Mouse, which will still be the frontman of Disney’s brands.The 1928 version also does not speak, giving creators very limited usage of the character. “Ever since Mickey Mouse’s first appearance in the 1928 short film ‘Steamboat Willie,’ people have associated the character with Disney’s stories, experiences, and authentic products,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. “That will not change when the copyright in the Steamboat Willie film expires,” the spokesperson continued. “We will, of course, continue to protect our rights in the more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works that remain subject to copyright,” the company said.Copyright isn’t Disney’s only legal battle, as the Mouse House has been embroiled in a fierce fight with Florida Gov.

Ron DeSantis over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, where its Disneyworld theme park is located. In April 2022, legislators in Tallahassee dissolved the district created decades ago by Sunshine State officials to lure the California-based Disney to build a theme park in Orlando.