Disney is losing the copyright on the early version of Mickey Mouse featured in Steamboat Willie. The change means that the public will only be able to use the more mischievous, rat-like, non-speaking boat captain seen in Steamboat Willie – not the more modern versions.

The beloved character was created in 1928 and will enter the public domain in 2024 after the expiration of its copyrights. As a consequence of US copyright law, entertainment giant Disney could soon lose the exclusive rights to some of the characters most responsible for the brand’s universal recognition, including the mouse that acts as its mascot.

Only the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse will lose copyright – the modern, white-gloved Mickey remains protected for now.

This is a significant development for Disney, which has long relied on the character’s popularity to drive merchandise sales and theme park attendance. However, it is important to note that Disney retains its copyright on any subsequent variations in other films or artwork until they reach the 95-year mark.

The expiration of Mickey Mouse’s copyright is part of a larger trend of copyright protections on many well-known books, films and musical compositions set to expire in 2024. This has led to a great deal of speculation about the future of intellectual property law and the entertainment industry.

While the loss of copyright on the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse is a significant development, it is important to remember that Disney still retains the rights to the modern, white-gloved version of the character. It remains to be seen how this will impact the company’s bottom line, but it is clear that the expiration of copyright protections on many well-known works will have far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry as a whole.