The beloved mouse that is nearly a century old will soon enter public domain — the original Mickey Mouse's copyright expires in 2024. This anthropomorphic mouse is recognizable even by the silhouette of his ears and, in some ways, has been the face of The Walt Disney Co. since his 1928 creation.

On January 1, 2024, the earliest version of Mickey Mouse officially entered the public domain in the United States. This specifically applies to the iteration seen in the 1928 animated short "Steamboat Willie" and the silent version of "Plane Crazy." Because the 95-year copyright term expired, creators are now legally allowed to use, remix, and adapt that specific 1928 version of the character without Disney's permission. However, it is important to note that Disney still holds the copyright for all later, modernized versions of Mickey—such as the one with pupils and white gloves from Fantasia—as well as the trademark for Mickey as a brand identifier. While you can now see "Steamboat Willie" appearing in independent horror films or art projects, Disney continues to vigorously protect its modern intellectual property and brand associations, ensuring that Mickey remains the face of the company while the historical 1928 footage is free for public use.