As the calendar turns to 2024, the iconic "Steamboat Willie" version of Mickey Mouse is poised to enter the public domain, marking the end of a 95-year copyright period for Disney.

Initially introduced in the 1928 animated short film, "Steamboat Willie," Business Insider reported that the original character's copyright had been the subject of prolonged legal battles and lobbying efforts by Disney to extend copyright durations.

(Photo : ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
An early Mickey Mouse watch is displayed during a media tour of the Walt Disney Archives,on June 20, 2023 at the Disney Studio lot, in Burbank, California. In celebration of the company's upcoming centennial -- officially marked on October 16 -- Disney recently allowed a glimpse into its vaults, hosting a media visit to its film studio lot in Burbank, near Los Angeles.

Impending Expiration of Original Mickey Mouse Copyright

The impending expiration of Mickey Mouse's copyright is rooted in the evolution of copyright laws over the decades. The original copyright protection for "Steamboat Willie" was reportedly under the copyright law in 1909, which allowed a work to be closed off from the public domain for 28 years and could be extended for another 28 years.

Disney successfully influenced legislative changes in the 1970s. During that period, Disney's lobbying efforts led to an extension of the copyright lifespan by an additional 20 years, resulting in the enactment of the Copyright Act of 1976. 

Subsequently, as the 1998 deadline approached, Disney engaged again in lobbying for a new law, leading to the passage of the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998. 

Due to Disney's contribution, this 1998 law was nicknamed the "Mickey Mouse Protection Act."

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Disney Protects Modernized Mickey Mouse

Since there has not been another extension to the law, the 1998 copyright law is the one that is in effect today. So, starting January 1, 2024, anyone can use the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse since it will enter the public domain, but with major limits. 

According to the Associated Press, current artists and creators can only use the more mischievous, rat-like, non-speaking boat captain in "Steamboat Willie." Disney has been vigilant in protecting its character. The company always gets the modern version of the friendly mouse copyrighted.

So, any modernized or altered version of Mickey Mouse created by Disney is protected. The company also owns trademarks on Mickey Mouse's modern incarnation, giving its iconic mascot even more protection. 

In a statement to AP, Disney said: "More modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in our storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise."

"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 added.

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