I heard that Steamboat Willie has the U.S. copyright through 2023. Does this mean that in 2023, does this mean Steamboat WIllie will be gone forever? I hope not.
I heard that Steamboat Willie has the U.S. copyright through 2023. Does this mean that in 2023, does this mean Steamboat WIllie will be gone forever? I hope not.
No, instead, it will enter the public domain.
And what does public domain mean?
It means the public will be able to see it from 2023 and onwards
Ah! I see. Well, that makes sense. Thank you.
More accurately, being in the public domain means that it would be able to be used by anyone (upload parodies without getting in trouble, use it in advertisements, sell fanart based off of it, etc.). Literally, it just loses its copyright.
However, it becomes a little complicated because Mickey Mouse may still be copyrighted by Disney. So the biggest question is whether or not Mickey Mouse himself will be in public domain. Which nobody is sure of yet.
However, it becomes a little complicated because Mickey Mouse may still be copyrighted by Disney. So the biggest question is whether or not Mickey Mouse himself will be in public domain. Which nobody is sure of yet.
Why are they doing this in the first place? This just confuses me
However, it becomes a little complicated because Mickey Mouse may still be copyrighted by Disney. So the biggest question is whether or not Mickey Mouse himself will be in public domain. Which nobody is sure of yet.
Copyrights naturally disappear over time under different circumstances, such as a certain amount of years after the owner's death, or certain number of years after the copyright is created.
Steamboat Willie has been close to the deadline for many years (it was supposed to be way back in 1956), but Disney always succeeded in extending the time repeatedly. The last extension moved it to 2023. They could try to get the deadline extended again, but no one knows if they'll succeed again.
Some law researchers and Disney studiers believe that it may already be in the public domain based on a technicality from Walt's time, but I'm sure no one dares to find out for fear of Disney trying to sue.
Timon:Steamboat Willie, among with all other the Pre-1950 Disney cartoon shorts, goes in the publin domain by the time Disney reaches 100th Aniversarry in 2023.
Pumba:U.S. public domain said "Disney's pre-1950 cartoons may enter public domain". the public domain distributor will be "Disney-TriStar-Dolby Green-Ray Disc."
Mickey:I am going to die. My son will control my company without me.
Mickey Mouse Jr.:Public Domain. Public domain!? that will be a good place.
public domain: in 2028, Steamboat Willie shall celibrate it's 100th Aniversarry.
It means this character from Steamboat Willie will be available for use. But later elements (like his color pallet) may not be. Also, the trademark for “Mickey Mouse” will never expire. So, any logos for “Mickey Mouse” may not be used. There will probably be several lawsuits before we get clarity.