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Original Mickey Mouse loses copyright protection
OVER the years, Mickey Mouse has been adopted in everything from clothing to accessories and figurines – and now anyone can use or recreate the iconic Disney character without breaking the law.
That’s because the copyright that protected the very first version of Mickey Mouse recently lapsed.
Mickey Mouse was co-created by WALT DISNEY and Ub Iwerks, and originally featured in Disney’s 1928 short film Steamboat Willie. The film also introduced viewers to Minnie Mouse, but it was Mickey who went on to become Disney’s iconic mascot.
The early version of the beloved character looks rather different from the one we know with the big eyes and red pants. The original black-and-white Mickey doesn’t wear gloves or oversized shoes, and his eyes are small ovals without pupils.
Until recently,
