Mickey Mouse, Tigger, Picassos, And Other Works Enter The Public Domain In 2024
By Mikelle Leow, 20 Dec 2023
Photo 164168540 © Craig Russell | Dreamstime.com
As the clock ticks toward 2024, the world of copyright law braces for a historic moment: the arrival of iconic characters and works, including Disney’s Steamboat Willie, into the public domain on January 1. This year, the beloved figures Mickey and Minnie Mouse will finally waltz out of copyright restrictions, joining a myriad of other artistic and literary treasures set to be liberated.
The journey to this moment has been long and contentious, notably marked by what has notoriously been dubbed the ‘Mickey Mouse Protection Act’. Officially known as the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998, this legislation extended US copyright terms, effectively keeping Mickey Mouse under Disney’s control for decades longer than originally planned.
Critics, including the irreverent art collective MSCHF, have trolled this act, highlighting the tension between corporate control and cultural freedom. As 2024 heralds the end of this extended term, it signals a significant shift in how these cultural icons can be used and interpreted.
2024 also celebrates the public domain debut of works by authors who died in 1953 (in countries with a copyright term of “life plus 70 years,” like the UK, Russia, and several parts of the European Union and South America) and those who passed away in 1973 (in countries with a term of “life plus 50 years,” such as New Zealand and most of Asia and Africa), as well as films, books, and artworks published in 1928 in the US. Literary enthusiasts can also look forward to freely exploring D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera, and some mind-bending creations from MC Escher. Below is a snapshot of what to expect.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Lead the Parade
At the forefront of this shift is Disney’s Steamboat Willie, featuring the beloved characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as the silent version of Plane Crazy. Originally released in 1928, these classic animations have long been under the wings of copyright law. Their entry into the public domain marks a new era for these iconic characters, allowing for fresh and uninhibited creative uses.
Tigger Hops On
Photo 92247910 © Sergei Nezhinskii | Dreamstime.com
A. A. Milne’s The House at Pooh Corner, containing illustrations by E.H. Shepard, also joins the roster. That’s right; Tigger is finally hopping into the public domain, opening more doors for adaptations like the non-Disney-made Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey horror film.
It should be noted that inspired works should be based on Milne’s descriptions of the character. Disney’s version of the bouncy tiger will still be under lock and key.
Charlie Chaplin’s Silent Classic
The world of cinema celebrates as Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus, a silent film classic, becomes publicly accessible. Chaplin’s unique blend of humor and pathos has influenced generations, and the public domain status offers filmmakers and artists new opportunities to draw inspiration from his timeless work.
Peter Pan Flies Higher
Photo 268448494 © Ingus Kruklitis | Dreamstime.com
J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, another enduring classic, finally sees its full entry into the public domain. This story, synonymous with the wonders of childhood and the reluctance to embrace adulthood, can now be reimagined and retold without any restrictions.
Rediscovering Virginia Woolf’s Orlando
Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, a groundbreaking work exploring gender fluidity and sexuality, also enters the public domain. Woolf's narrative, lauded for its feminist undertones and exploration of identity, can now inspire a new generation of writers and thinkers.
The Artistic Genius of Pablo Picasso
Photos 165852111 © Bumbleedee and 107529902 © Konstantin Semenov | Dreamstime.com
In countries operating under the “life plus 50 years” copyright term, including New Zealand and most of Asia and Africa, the works of Pablo Picasso will become publicly available. Picasso’s Cubist influence on modern art is immeasurable, and his entry into the public domain signifies an exciting chapter for artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.
J. R. R. Tolkien’s Otherworldly Legacy
Illustration 269536554 © Scaliger | Dreamstime.com
Likewise, in these "life plus 50 years" territories, the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, including his rich Middle-earth lore, will be open for reinterpretation and exploration, potentially sparking a new wave of fantasy literature and adaptations.
MC Escher’s Mind-Bending Creations
According to Duke University’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain, some of the intricate and often perplexing works of MC Escher, particularly his Tower of Babel woodcut, will also join the public domain. Escher’s art, known for its mathematical precision and surrealistic perspectives, is poised to inspire artists and designers in various fields.
An Agatha Christie Mystery, Unraveled
Illustration 213418977 © Fatma Karabacak | Dreamstime.com
Agatha Christie’s The Mystery of the Blue Train joins the public domain circuit, inviting mystery lovers and aspiring writers to delve into and re-envision her masterful storytelling and intricate plots.
Wanda Gág’s Timeless Children’s Book
A worthy mention, Wanda Gág’s Millions of Cats—the oldest American picture book that’s still in print—enters the public domain as well, continuing to enchant children and adults alike with its charming narrative and illustrations.
This wave of works entering the public domain in 2024 not only celebrates artistic and literary diversity but also underscores the importance of cultural heritage in shaping and enriching our contemporary world. You can discover more to-be-liberated works here.
[via USA Today, Center for the Study of the Public Domain, The Public Domain Review, images via various sources]