Authored By Haviland Macy Marie Kebler, Esq. & Samantha Pendley
Steamboat Willie, an American Short Film released in the 1920’s, is one of the first times that Mickey Mouse was brought to the big screen. Produced and directed by Walt Disney, Steamboat Willie was an early version of Mickey Mouse. In this short, Mickey didn’t quite look the same as he does now. He was featured with long skinny limbs, without his famous white gloves, and solid black eyes with no pupils.
Steamboat Willie, a trailblazing short in its time, is not only the first time we are introduced to the famous Mickey Mouse, but also is credited for introducing synchronized sound editing in animated filmography.
At the time Steamboat Willie was created, the original length of copyright protection was set for up to fifty-six (56) years. However, when that time period ended, Disney successfully lobbied multiple times to extend their copyright protection on Steamboat Willie. These copyright extensions are colloquially referred to as the Mickey Mouse Acts. After nearly a century, the copyright protection on the original Steamboat Willie and its depiction of Mickey Mouse is officially coming to an end in 2024. Following the expiration of this copyright protection, the original short will enter the public domain, and thus, can be screened or used by the public without permission. In anticipation of this expiration of protection, it appears that Disney has uploaded the short to the internet for free viewing. This anticipatory publication may have been done by Disney in order to minimize third-party profit off its early creation.
The subsequent versions of Mickey Mouse that the public are more familiar with will remain protected by Disney’s wide portfolio of Federally Registered Copyrights and Trademarks. Disney has released a statement that although Mickey Mouse’s first appearance is expiring, they will continue safeguarding against consumer confusion through Trademarks, as necessary.
Additionally, a handful of Disney’s other early characters, including Winne the Pooh’s pal, Tigger, will be entering the public domain shortly as well, allowing third parties to use the creative works. Steamboat Willie’s entrance into the public domain is just the beginning of a new era for Disney, where classic characters are less protected than they once were.