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ARTICLE · 08 JANUARY 2024

Mickey Mouse (Version 1.0) Enters The Public Domain In The U.S.

Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC
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Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC

Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC

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So, it is happening. The animated short "Steamboat Willie," which was released in 1928 and features an early version of Mickey Mouse, will enter the public domain in the United States on January 1, 2024...

United StatesIntellectual Property

So, it is happening. The animated short "Steamboat Willie," which was released in 1928 and features an early version of Mickey Mouse, will enter the public domain in the United States on January 1, 2024, alongside a cache of other works that were first published in 1928. We've been anticipating this for some time (see this post), and there has been a lot of press coverage in the past few weeks. But before you unleash your creative energy on the Mickster, see our cautionary notes below. Reports about Mickey's demise are very much exaggerated.

This early version of the famous mouse isn't the only noteworthy work that enters the public domain on January 1st. As we do every year, we have cherry picked some noteworthy books, films and compositions originally published in 1928 that soon will be free of copyright restrictions in the U.S.. For more extensive lists, check out this list and this one. (Disclaimer: I haven't personally confirmed the publication dates of any of

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This post first appeared in Frankfurt Kurnit's Focus on the Data blog (www.focusonthedata.com). It provides general coverage of its subject area. We provide it with the understanding that Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz is not engaged herein in rendering legal advice, and shall not be liable for any damages resulting from any error, inaccuracy, or omission. Our attorneys practice law only in jurisdictions in which they are properly authorized to do so. We do not seek to represent clients in other jurisdictions.

Originally published by the New York Legal Ethics Reporter

www.fkks.com

This alert provides general coverage of its subject area. We provide it with the understanding that Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz is not engaged herein in rendering legal advice, and shall not be liable for any damages resulting from any error, inaccuracy, or omission. Our attorneys practice law only in jurisdictions in which they are properly authorized to do so. We do not seek to represent clients in other jurisdictions.

www.fkks.com

This alert provides general coverage of its subject area. We provide it with the understanding that Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz is not engaged herein in rendering legal advice, and shall not be liable for any damages resulting from any error, inaccuracy, or omission. Our attorneys practice law only in jurisdictions in which they are properly authorized to do so. We do not seek to represent clients in other jurisdictions.

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