China News Service, Beijing, July 8th (Zhang Naiyue) Wearing red shorts, yellow shoes, and white gloves, he likes to whistle and hum a ditty. Which classic cartoon character?

It is "Mickey Mouse" created by Disney.

Data map: Mickey Mouse interacts with tourists in Disneyland, California, USA.

  After debuting in the 1928 film "Steamboat Willie", Mickey Mouse quickly gained American audiences and quickly became a global hit.

However, this curious, happy, and righteous little mouse is about to reach the end of Disney's 95-year copyright protection period in 2024.

  At that time, anyone will have the right to use the image of Mickey Mouse to produce merchandise or create creations without having to pay Disney royalties.

"Good luck, my little friend"

  Under U.S. copyright protection law, entertainment giant Disney will lose exclusive rights to its iconic animated character Mickey Mouse once the copyright term ends.

That is, starting in 2024, the image of Mickey Mouse will automatically enter the public domain.

The jubilant dragon dance performance in Shanghai Disneyland is eye-catching. Mickey and his friends welcome the arrival of Chinese New Year with dragon dance.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Tang Yanjun

  On the one hand, fans and artists can freely use materials to create more exciting stories; on the other hand, it may also lead to the appearance of "magic reform" works that destroy childhood, leaving "psychological shadows" on the audience.

  "Mickey Mouse represents nostalgia," said one Disneyland visitor.

Mickey Mouse, who is now in his 90s, has accompanied the childhood of generations. This image can always make people smile and recall interesting stories and good times.

  No wonder, as soon as the news of the copyright expiration came out, netizens started to discuss:

  On social media, someone said goodbye to Mickey Mouse: "Good luck, my little friend";

  Some people find it "interesting" and stay on the sidelines;

  Some people are also concerned about whether Minnie will leave with Mickey Mouse;

  Tesla CEO Musk thought "it's time" when replying to the relevant news;

  There has also been speculation that Disney may once again seek to extend copyright law for a longer term of protection.  

Disney "extended" Mickey Mouse twice

  In fact, since the image of Mickey Mouse was born in 1928, Disney has "extended" it twice, extending its copyright protection period.

  In the 1970s, copyright protection for this image was only 56 years, which ended in 1984.

However, under the strong lobbying of Disney and other companies, the US Congress passed the extension of the copyright period, changing it to the creator's life plus 50 years after death, and the company's copyright is 75 years after the work is published.

  By 1998, Mickey Mouse once again faced the issue of copyright expiration.

This time, Disney successfully lobbied to get Congress to extend the copyright term for the second time.

The automatic entry of Mickey Mouse into the public domain has been extended until the end of 2023 under the latest US copyright law.

  However, there is no word on further action by Disney as the third deadline arrives.

  It is undeniable that the super popular Mickey Mouse once brought huge income to Disney.

  In 2003, Mickey Mouse and his friends landed at number one on Forbes magazine's "Fictional Rich List" with a net worth of $5.8 billion.

These classic character products are also “golden eggs” that attract money. According to previous estimates, they can bring at least $3.2 billion in revenue to Disney every year.

  Various products with Mickey Mouse patterns emerge in an endless stream, such as stationery boxes, trolley cases, snacks, ornaments, beauty products, co-branded clothing, shoes...

"This time will be the end"?

  There is an argument that Disney may again lobby hard for an extension, but that won't be easy.

Data map: The image of Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Paris.

  Daniel Mehda, an expert at UCLA Law School and a veteran media and entertainment lawyer, told the Guardian that he was skeptical that Disney could get another extension.

"I think this time will be the end."

  However, Disney is not unprepared for this.

  According to the National Museum of American History, Mickey Mouse's appearance and personality have undergone several transformations over the decades.

From the early "more like a little mouse" image, it gradually changed to the later "classic" Mickey Mouse image with big ears and white gloves.

  Therefore, even if the copyright of the 1928 animation "Steamboat Willie" expires, Disney retains the copyright for subsequent changes to its works until the characters also end their 95-year term of protection.

  In addition, Meda believes that even if the characters whose copyrights have expired are used for creation, if the new content misleads the public into being related to Disney (for profit or discrediting Disney-derived characters), "In theory, Disney can sue for trademark infringement. ."

  Meda said that while copyright protection is time-limited, trademarks are not.

As long as Disney continues to use various elements of the trademark, it "can basically own the trademark forever."

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