Mickey Mouse's exclusive rights may soon expire for Disney.

Mickey Mouse's exclusive rights may soon expire for Disney.

Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain in the year 2024, almost 95 years after his creation on 1 October 1928 – the length of time after which the copyright on an anonymous or pseudo-anonymous body of artistic work expires.

Daniel Mayeda is a seasoned attorney for the media and entertainment industry and the associate director of UCLA School of Law's Documentary Film Legal Clinic. According to him, there are restrictions associated with copyright expiration.

"You can make your own Mickey Mouse stories or stories featuring this character by using the Mickey Mouse character as it was originally designed. But, Disney might theoretically claim that you violated their trademark if you do it in a way that makes people think of them, which is probably the case given how much they have invested in this character.

What is the copyright for Mickey Mouse?

What is the copyright for Mickey Mouse?

Disney officially registered the Mickey Mouse character for copyright protection on December 16, 1928, and released "Steamboat Willie" on November 18, 1928.

Without Disney's consent, it is illegal for anyone to duplicate or use Mickey Mouse's likeness. For the duration of the copyright, Disney is thus granted the sole right to utilize the character in its creative works.

Without Disney's consent, it is illegal for anyone to duplicate or use Mickey Mouse's likeness. For the duration of the copyright, Disney is thus granted the sole right to utilize the character in its creative works.

Is Disney to be concerned?

Is Disney to be concerned?

Disney acquires a new copyright with a new term every time it produces a new Mickey. The original Steamboat Willie was a two-dimensional character with a very long tail and a nose more akin to a rat than a mouse.

Disney still has the authority to prosecute users who violate their cherished Mickey Mouse character.

Disney still has the authority to prosecute users who violate their cherished Mickey Mouse character.

Disney does not have to worry about losing Mickey in its entirety, even though the copyright for an older version of the character may be about to expire.

Disney does not have to worry about losing Mickey in its entirety, even though the copyright for an older version of the character may be about to expire.

Disney has the unlimited ability to obtain new copyrights and renew trademarks as long as it keeps making changes to Mickey Mouse.

Disney has the unlimited ability to obtain new copyrights and renew trademarks as long as it keeps making changes to Mickey Mouse.