Mickey and Minnie Mouse enter the public domain in the US

-
Mickey and Minnie Mouse enter the public domain in the US

The iconic cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who made their debut in the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie, are now free for anyone to use or rework in the US, as the film’s copyright has expired.

Steamboat Willie, which features early non-speaking versions of the characters, is widely regarded as a landmark in animation history and the moment that launched Disney’s success.

However, the public domain status only applies to the original versions of Mickey and Minnie, not the more modern and recognizable ones that Disney has developed over the years. The company still holds a trademark on the characters as a brand identifier and a corporate mascot, which means there are limits on how they can be used without permission or cost.

Disney said it would continue to protect its rights in the more modern versions of Mickey and other works that remain subject to copyright, and to safeguard against consumer confusion caused by unauthorized uses of its iconic characters.

The company has faced losing the rights to its original cartoons several times in the past but has managed to delay the expiration by lobbying for extensions of the copyright term. The law, which now grants 95 years of protection, has been dubbed "the Mickey Mouse Protection Act".

Jennifer Jenkins, director of the Duke Centre for the Study of the Public Domain, told the BBC that the expiration was a “deeply symbolic and long awaited” milestone, as it would allow creatives to copy, share and build upon the original cartoons and the characters within them.

Mickey and Minnie are not the only works from 1928 that are entering the public domain in the US on New Year’s Day. Other famous films, books, music and characters that are now available to the American public include Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus, AA Milne’s The House at Pooh Corner, Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, DH Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.



Thanks for Reading 🙏
Source: BBC News

Connect with Author on LinkedIn 

Follow FinGlimpse on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flipboard, WhatsApp, Telegram  

Category:

Comments

Post a Comment

Please post your valuable insights on this article for other readers to better interpret this article and become a more informed person.

Also read:

Germany's Two-Speed Economy: Consumer Boom Masks Industrial Struggles

-
Image
After enduring two challenging years marked by stagnation, Germany’s economy is showing promising signs of revival. The resurgence, primarily driven by consumer spending, is a welcome change from the near-zero growth that has characterized the country’s economic landscape recently. However, this consumer-led growth masks a more deep-seated issue within the industrial sector, which continues to struggle without a clear solution in sight. Consumer Confidence Fuels Economic Optimism Consumer confidence is often regarded as the pulse of the economy—a measure of the average consumer’s economic outlook and their propensity to spend. In Germany, this sentiment has seen a significant uptick, reflecting broader economic optimism. The GfK Consumer Climate Study reveals a marked improvement in economic and income expectations, despite a moderate decline in the propensity to buy after three consecutive increases. This mixed sentiment underscores the cautious yet hopeful disposition of German consu...
Read more

The European Central Bank’s Strong Euro Dilemma: Navigating Monetary Policy Amid Currency Appreciation

-
Image
In the dynamic and often unpredictable world of international finance, central banks constantly face the challenge of balancing domestic economic objectives against the complex interplay of global capital flows and currency valuations. The European Central Bank (ECB) currently grapples with one of its most perplexing dilemmas in recent memory: a notably strong euro despite a series of monetary easing efforts designed to stimulate growth and lift inflation within the eurozone. Over the last four months, the euro has appreciated by more than 10% against the U.S. dollar, an outcome that has taken policymakers by surprise and complicated their monetary strategy. The ECB’s forthcoming decision to cut its main refinancing rate to 2% underscores its continued commitment to support the eurozone economy, but the accompanying strong euro threatens to blunt the stimulative effects of these rate cuts, introducing a range of economic challenges that require nuanced and carefully calibrated respons...
Read more

The U.S. Government Sues Adobe Over Deceptive Subscription Practices

-
Image
In a landmark legal action, the United States government has filed a lawsuit against Adobe Inc., accusing the software behemoth of engaging in deceptive and unfair practices related to its online subscription services. This case, brought jointly by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), alleges that Adobe has violated the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA). The primary allegations are that Adobe has been imposing hidden fees, creating unnecessary obstacles in the subscription cancellation process, and failing to provide clear and transparent information to consumers. The lawsuit revolves around three primary allegations against Adobe. Firstly, the complaint claims that Adobe has been concealing significant early termination fees in fine print and behind hyperlinks. These fees, which can reportedly amount to hundreds of dollars, are only disclosed to customers when they attempt to cancel their subscriptions. This lack of upfront disclosu...
Read more

The Indian Navy’s Valiant Rescue: A Beacon of Maritime Security

-
Image
In the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, piracy has long been a threat to the safety of seafarers and the security of maritime trade routes. The recent hijacking of the MV Ruen, a Malta-flagged cargo ship, by Somali pirates brought this issue to the forefront once again. However, the swift and decisive action by the Indian Navy not only thwarted the pirates’ plans but also highlighted India’s commitment to combating piracy and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. The operation, spearheaded by INS Kolkata, was a testament to the Indian Navy’s preparedness and strategic capabilities. Approximately 2,600 kilometers from the Indian coast, the Navy intercepted the hijacked vessel, leading to the surrender of 35 pirates and the safe evacuation of the crew, which included nationals from Bulgaria, Angola, and Myanmar. This operation was not just a military success; it was a diplomatic triumph, fostering goodwill between India and Bulgaria, as evidenced by the Bulgarian President’s exp...
Read more

China’s Economic Strategy for 2025: A Record 3 Trillion Yuan in Special Treasury Bonds

-
Image
In a bold move to revitalize its slowing economy, China plans to issue a record 3 trillion yuan ($411 billion) in special treasury bonds in 2025, according to a Reuters report. This announcement marks a significant escalation from the 1 trillion yuan issued in 2024 and underscores the urgency with which policymakers aim to tackle the challenges of sluggish growth, flagging consumption, and investment bottlenecks. This article delves into the implications, objectives, and potential outcomes of this ambitious fiscal measure while examining its broader context within China’s economic landscape. China’s economy has been grappling with headwinds stemming from multiple factors, including weakened global demand, domestic property market distress, and a decline in consumer confidence. The decision to quadruple the issuance of special treasury bonds reflects Beijing’s determination to leverage fiscal policy as a tool to stabilize and stimulate the economy. Special treasury bonds are distinct fr...
Read more