![]() The 1976 law made copyright duration 75 years. This is the law that also codified federal "fair use rights" which is important. Well, when this time was nearing, Disney and others lobbied Congress for copyright term extensions which became law in the 1976 Copyright Act. However, that would have only provided Disney with copyright protection for Mickey (and Minnie who also appeared in the film) through 1984. At the time, the law in effect was the 1909 Copyright Act which provided for a 28-year protection for the copyright, and another 28 years extension was possible, for a total of 56 years of protection before the film and character would enter the public domain. Walt Disney incorporated in 1923 and first aired a video of Mickey Mouse (which I shall refer to as Mickey Mouse 1.0) in the short cartoon "Steamboat Willie" a movie about 7 minutes long. Mickey Mouse is one of the most prolific cartoon characters of all time. To watch the video on this topic click here: Mickey Mouse Public Domain Tips is an IP attorney at Vondran Legal® that handles copyright legal issues involving copyright infringement, DMCA, fair use, public domain, creative commons licensing, copyright clearance, and other related IP issues. Lizard tiles by Ben Lawson.Steve Vondran, Esq. Hexagonal and rhombic tessellations from Wikimedia Commons.
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