Mickey Mouse Is Now In the Public Domain. Well, Sort Of. Even though only one very specific version of the character is free to use, it still represents a positive step for creative expression.

For nearly a century, the image of Mickey Mouse has been married to Disney’s brand, but in 2024, the copyright of Disney’s first film featuring Mickey will expire.

Mickey Mouse no longer belongs solely to the Walt Disney Company. On January 1, 2024, an early version of the entertainment company’s mascot, featured in Walt Disney’s 1928 short film ...