AN EARLY version of Mickey Mouse’s “Steamboat Willie” can now be reimagined by anyone in any way they want.
Mickey Mouse has been known and loved by many generations as we grew older. Walt Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse mascot remains iconic up to this day.
A 1998 updated version of the US copyright law by Congress allows the copyright held for 95 years, thus making Walt Disney’s 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie” enter the public domain.
Harvard Law School professor Rebecca Tushnet said that while the public domain allows revisions of the early version of Mickey Mouse, elements depicting the modern Mickey Mouse remain Disney trademarks.
Tushnet added that despite Disney surrendering the image of “Steamboat Willie,” there is a high chance that the company would sue anyone who creates a cartoon that closely resembles the mascot.
Disney’s spokesperson said that modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the “Steamboat Willie” copyright. Mickey remains eligible to continue playing a lead role as global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company.
The spokesperson added that the company will continue to protect their rights for the more modern version of Mickey Mouse along with their other works and creations that remain subject to copyright.
