It seems the ball is in Disney’s lawyers’ court to protect the world’s most beloved and iconic character. But is it true that Disney could really lose its rights over Mickey Mouse? John Oliver on his HBO late-night show, Last Week Tonight, challenged the Walt Disney Company with his willingness to simply take Mickey Mouse for his own.
According to Intellectual Property Law, the short answer is yes. The copyright on Mickey Mouse will expire just next year in 2024, 95 years after his first appearance, sending him to the public domain. This copyright applies explicitly to the very first iteration of Mickey Mouse in his animation debut,Steamboat Willie (1928). This black and white hand-drawn cartoon introduces Mickey with a tall white cap and without the white gloves that have become his modern uniform.
Disney+
Deadline shared Oliver’s comments that Disney’s use of Steamboat Willie in attachment to the Walt Disney Animation Studios logo is an attempt to circumvent the expiring copyright, claiming the image as a trademark associated with their brand. While no one can argue that Mickey Mouse and the Disney Company are inseparable, there remains a legal gray area undoubtedly about to be explored.
For example, Oliver mentions that other classic characters associated with the Walt Disney Company have already fallen victim to copyright expiration. At the start of 2022, Christopher Robin’s iconic friends entered the public domain. This includes Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and Eeyore, but Oliver cites a specific example where Winnie the Pooh himself is the murderous villain in what seems to be an indie horror flick. The film is titledWinnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey.
Know for his show’s wild antics, John Oliver invited Steamboat Willie as a new character onto his show. While immediately recognizable, Mickey tested some new Last-Week-Tonightstyle catchphrases as he and Oliver wondered aloud where Mickey Mouse’s iconic voice fell on the copyright spectrum.
HBO
Oliver argued that, while legally Steamboat Willie will be public domain, there will still be considerable risk in using him for “new and interesting” things. A risk that clearly thrilled Oliver, as he happily called a Steamboat Willie mascot onto the stage and offered to hire him out for events.
Disney+
John Oliver’s actions dared the Walt Disney Company to respond. He questioned if Disney would do anything in the Mickey Mouse copyright arena, and if so, what? Summing up the copyright drama thematically, Mickey Mouse says, “I guess you’ll find out,” to which Oliver giggles, “Yea! I guess we will!”
As a seasoned intellectual property expert and enthusiast, I've closely followed the legal landscape surrounding iconic characters and their copyright status. The recent developments regarding Disney and Mickey Mouse, as highlighted in the article, are indeed intriguing.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand the foundation of the issue. The claim made by John Oliver on his HBO show, Last Week Tonight, is grounded in Intellectual Property Law. The central point is that the copyright on Mickey Mouse is set to expire in 2024, precisely 95 years after his debut in Steamboat Willie (1928). This is not a mere assertion; it's a well-established legal principle, emphasizing a critical aspect of copyright duration.
The article underscores that this copyright pertains explicitly to the initial portrayal of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie. In this early animated version, Mickey is depicted with a tall white cap and without the white gloves that later became an integral part of his modern image. The details matter, as they contribute to the legal arguments surrounding the expiration of copyright.
Disney's attempt to extend the protection of Steamboat Willie by incorporating it into the Walt Disney Animation Studios logo is a strategic move. By associating the image with their brand, they aim to claim it as a trademark, potentially sidestepping the impending expiration of the copyright. This tactic raises questions about the intersection of copyright and trademark law, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
The article also draws attention to the broader context of copyright expiration within the Walt Disney Company. It mentions examples of other classic characters, like those from Christopher Robin's world, entering the public domain at the start of 2022. This broader context establishes a pattern and raises concerns about the fate of beloved characters when their copyright protection expires.
John Oliver's playful incorporation of Steamboat Willie as a new character on his show adds a dynamic twist to the narrative. The discussion about the potential risks involved in using a character that is entering the public domain highlights the ambiguity and legal gray areas surrounding such situations. The reference to Winnie the Pooh being portrayed as a murderous villain in an indie horror flick titled "Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey" serves as a stark example of the creative liberties that can be taken once characters lose their copyright protection.
In essence, the article captures a legal and cultural moment where the fate of Mickey Mouse's copyright hangs in the balance. John Oliver's challenge to Disney prompts speculation about how the entertainment giant will respond to this copyright dilemma. The closing exchange between Oliver and the Steamboat Willie mascot adds a touch of suspense, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the future use of this iconic character. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and legal intricacies involved in this captivating intellectual property saga.
