As with many great creative assets, the spoils of time (and copyright) may eventually lead them to a future in the public domain. The latest big brand to lose a piece of its intellectual property is none other than the Disney corporation – yes that's right, Mickey Mouse is finally for the people.
Well, sort of. Ninety-five years after the creation of Disney's iconic Steamboat Willie animation, the original (and first-ever) rendition of Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain on 1 January 2024 – although there are a few stipulations. The stories, characters and even the numerous Disney logos all carry an iconic legacy, so it will be interesting to see how the public uses this legendary slice of history in future creations.
