The Future of Mickey Mouse: What Happens When He Becomes Public Domain?

Get ready to have your world rocked, because we’re talking about a game-changing event that’s set to take the entertainment world by storm! Yes, you heard it right – Mickey Mouse is set to become public domain, and this is a game-changer of epic proportions. From cartoons to merchandise, the mouse that captured our hearts has been a staple of American culture for nearly a century. But what happens when he finally enters the public domain? Let’s dive in and explore the possibilities!

What is Mickey Mouse?

The Creation of a Iconic Character

In 1928, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created Mickey Mouse, a character that would become one of the most iconic figures in popular culture. The creation of Mickey Mouse was a result of several factors, including the influence of Disney’s earlier work, such as the “Alice Comedies,” and the impact of the success of Charlie Chaplin’s films.

One of the key factors in the creation of Mickey Mouse was the influence of Disney’s earlier work, particularly the “Alice Comedies.” These films, which starred Mabel Normand as the title character, were popular in the 1920s and featured live-action footage of Normand interacting with animated characters. Disney was inspired by this format and decided to create a similar film featuring a mouse character.

Another factor that influenced the creation of Mickey Mouse was the success of Charlie Chaplin’s films. Chaplin’s character, the Tramp, was a beloved figure in the film industry and Disney wanted to create a similar character that would appeal to audiences. However, Disney wanted to create a character that was distinctly American, and thus the mouse character was born.

The creation of Mickey Mouse was also influenced by technological advancements in animation. Disney and Iwerks had been experimenting with a new animation process called “cel animation,” which involved drawing each frame of a film on a separate celluloid sheet. This process allowed for greater control over the movement and appearance of characters, and it was this technology that enabled the creation of Mickey Mouse.

The first appearance of Mickey Mouse was in the 1928 film “Plane Crazy,” which was directed by Disney and produced by Winkler Pictures. The film was a success and led to the creation of several more Mickey Mouse films, including “The Gallopin’ Gaucho” and “Steamboat Willie,” which featured Mickey Mouse’s famous song “Steamboat Willie.”

The creation of Mickey Mouse was a significant event in the history of animation and popular culture. The character’s iconic design, distinctive voice, and comedic antics quickly made him a beloved figure around the world. Today, Mickey Mouse remains one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in popular culture, and his influence can be seen in countless films, television shows, and other forms of media.

The Evolution of Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is a beloved cartoon character created by Walt Disney in 1928. Since then, he has become one of the most iconic and recognizable characters in popular culture. Over the years, Mickey Mouse has evolved and adapted to changing times, remaining relevant and beloved by audiences of all ages.

The Early Years

In the early years, Mickey Mouse was a simple, cartoon character with a black and white appearance. He was originally designed as a replacement for Walt Disney’s previous character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Mickey Mouse’s first appearance was in the animated short film “Plane Crazy,” which was released in 1928. In this film, Mickey Mouse was portrayed as a mischievous character who loved to fly airplanes.

The Sound Era

With the advent of sound in film, Mickey Mouse’s popularity soared. In 1929, Walt Disney released “The Karnival Kid,” which was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon to feature synchronized sound. This was a groundbreaking moment in animation history, and it helped to establish Mickey Mouse as a major player in the world of entertainment.

The Color Era

In 1932, Walt Disney released “Flowers and Trees,” which was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon to be produced in color. This film was a technological marvel, and it showcased the potential of color animation to create stunning visual effects.

The Golden Age

The 1930s and 1940s are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of Mickey Mouse. During this time, Walt Disney and his team of animators produced some of the most memorable and beloved Mickey Mouse cartoons of all time, including “Steamboat Willie,” “The Band Concert,” and “Fantasia.”

The Post-War Era

After World War II, Mickey Mouse continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. In the 1950s, Walt Disney produced a series of animated television shows, including “The Mickey Mouse Club,” which helped to establish Mickey Mouse as a beloved children’s character.

The Modern Era

In recent years, Mickey Mouse has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. He has appeared in a wide range of media, including films, television shows, and even stage productions. Despite the passing of Walt Disney in 1966, Mickey Mouse remains a beloved and enduring character, beloved by audiences of all ages.

The Copyright Law

Understanding Copyright Law

Copyright law is a legal framework that grants creators exclusive rights to their creative works, including art, literature, music, and films. In the United States, copyright protection is granted to creators for their lifetime plus 70 years after their death. This means that for most of the 20th century, Mickey Mouse was under copyright protection, and Disney had exclusive rights to his use and distribution.

However, in 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act was passed, which extended the term of copyright protection for works created before 1978. As a result, the copyright on Mickey Mouse’s first appearance in “Steamboat Willie” in 1928 will not expire until 2024.

The copyright law also provides for public domain, which is a collection of creative works that are not protected by copyright and can be used freely by anyone. Once a work enters the public domain, it becomes part of the common cultural heritage and can be used, adapted, or reproduced without permission or payment to the original creator.

The duration of copyright protection varies depending on the country and the type of work. In the United States, for works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works created before 1978, the copyright protection is extended to 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

Understanding copyright law is crucial in determining when Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain and what implications this will have for Disney and other creators.

The Term of Copyright Protection

Under the current copyright law, copyright protection in the United States extends for the life of the author plus 70 years. This means that any work created by an author before January 1, 1964, is in the public domain and can be used freely by anyone. However, for works created after that date, the copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years.

In the case of Mickey Mouse, the character was created by Walt Disney in 1928, which means that the copyright protection for the original works featuring Mickey Mouse will expire on December 31, 2024. This means that the original works featuring Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain and can be used freely by anyone.

However, it is important to note that the copyright protection for later works featuring Mickey Mouse, such as films and television shows, will continue beyond 2024. This is because the copyright for these works was renewed by Disney, and the renewal term extends for 95 years from the date of renewal. As a result, these works will not enter the public domain until many years after 2024.

In addition, it is worth noting that the copyright law may change in the future, which could affect the length of copyright protection for works created after January 1, 1964. For example, in 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act extended the copyright term for works created between 1928 and 1964 from 56 to 70 years. As a result, the copyright protection for these works will now expire on December 31, 2047, which is 20 years later than the original expiration date.

Mickey Mouse and Copyright Law

The Original Copyright Registration

The original copyright registration for Mickey Mouse was secured by Walt Disney on November 18, 1928. At the time, the character was introduced to the world in the animated short film “Steamboat Willie,” which was released on November 18, 1928. The copyright for this film, and by extension the character of Mickey Mouse, was registered with the United States Copyright Office.

The registration of the copyright was significant because it established Walt Disney as the owner of the intellectual property rights to Mickey Mouse. This allowed Disney to control the use of the character, including merchandising and licensing opportunities, and to prevent others from using the character without permission.

The original copyright registration for Mickey Mouse was set to expire on December 31, 1956. However, in 1954, the Walt Disney Company lobbied for and successfully obtained an extension of the copyright term for a period of 20 years. This extension meant that the copyright for Mickey Mouse would not expire until December 31, 1976.

In 1976, the copyright for Mickey Mouse expired and the character entered the public domain. However, in 1992, the Walt Disney Company successfully lobbied for and obtained a retroactive extension of copyright terms through the Copyright Extension Act. This act extended the copyright term for works created between 1928 and 1963 by an additional 20 years, meaning that Mickey Mouse would remain under copyright protection until 2003.

Since 2003, Mickey Mouse has been in the public domain in the United States, but the Walt Disney Company continues to license and control the use of the character through trademark laws.

The Renewal of the Copyright

Under the current copyright law, works are protected for a limited time, and the copyright owner has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the work publicly. The term of copyright protection for Mickey Mouse and other works created before 1923 was set to expire on January 1, 1974, but it was extended by the Copyright Act of 1976, which established a new term of protection of life of the author plus 50 years for works created on or after January 1, 1978.

The Copyright Act of 1998 further extended the term of protection for Mickey Mouse and other works by an additional 20 years, meaning that works created before 1923 would remain protected until at least 2023. However, this extension was challenged in the European Union, where the Court of Justice ruled that the extension was a violation of the principle of balance between the rights of authors and the public interest.

As a result, the copyright protection for Mickey Mouse and other works created before 1923 will expire on January 1, 2024, unless Congress passes a new law to extend the term of protection again. If the copyright protection expires, Mickey Mouse and other works will enter the public domain, and anyone will be free to use and adapt them without the need for permission or payment to the copyright owner.

It is worth noting that the copyright term for Mickey Mouse and other works created before 1923 has already expired in some countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and they are now in the public domain. This means that these works can be freely used and adapted in those countries, but they may still be protected by copyright in other countries.

The Current Status of the Copyright

Under the current copyright law, Mickey Mouse is protected by federal law and is owned by The Walt Disney Company. The company has maintained the copyright of the character since its creation in 1928, and it has been continuously renewed and extended to this day. The copyright protection for Mickey Mouse has been a source of significant revenue for The Walt Disney Company, allowing them to control the character’s use in various media, including films, television shows, and merchandise.

Additionally, the copyright for Mickey Mouse is set to expire on December 31, 2023, which means that the character will enter the public domain in the United States. However, the copyright for some of Mickey Mouse’s most iconic works, such as the cartoon “Steamboat Willie,” has already expired in other countries, and these works are now in the public domain in those countries.

It is important to note that the expiration of the copyright for Mickey Mouse will not necessarily mean that the character will be free for anyone to use. The Walt Disney Company may still hold trademark rights over the character, which would limit the use of the character by others. Furthermore, the expiration of the copyright will not affect the copyright protection for other Disney characters, such as Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto, which are also owned by The Walt Disney Company and will continue to be protected by copyright law.

What Happens When Mickey Mouse Becomes Public Domain?

The Impact on Disney

Disney, as the creator and owner of Mickey Mouse, has a significant stake in the continued copyright protection of the character. However, as the copyright approaches expiration, the impact on Disney could be substantial.

• Loss of Revenue Streams:
  • Merchandise: With the public domain status of Mickey Mouse, Disney will lose the exclusive right to produce and sell merchandise featuring the character. This could result in a significant loss of revenue for the company.
  • Media: The expiration of the copyright could also impact Disney’s media offerings, including movies, TV shows, and other forms of entertainment that feature Mickey Mouse. This could limit the company’s ability to monetize its most iconic character.
• Competition from Other Creators:
  • As Mickey Mouse enters the public domain, other creators and companies will be able to use the character without obtaining permission from Disney. This could lead to an increase in the number of Mickey Mouse-themed products and entertainment offerings, which could dilute the character’s brand and impact Disney’s market share.
• Creative Opportunities:
  • While the expiration of the copyright could present challenges for Disney, it could also create new opportunities for creativity and innovation. Other creators and companies could offer fresh perspectives on the character, leading to new and exciting developments in the world of Mickey Mouse.

Overall, the expiration of the copyright for Mickey Mouse will have a significant impact on Disney, both in terms of revenue streams and creative opportunities. As the company navigates this change, it will be important for Disney to adapt and evolve to ensure its continued success in the entertainment industry.

The Impact on the Public

• Widespread use of Mickey Mouse in various media and merchandise by individuals and businesses
• Loss of control over the character’s image and reputation by Disney
• Possible dilution of the character’s distinctive features and identity
• Uncertainty about the legal implications of using the character in different contexts
• A shift in the cultural landscape as the public’s perception of Mickey Mouse changes

The Impact on the Entertainment Industry

The expiration of the copyright on Mickey Mouse will have significant implications for the entertainment industry. The mouse’s character, along with other early Disney creations, has been under copyright protection since the 1930s. This means that for almost a century, Disney has held exclusive rights to use and profit from Mickey Mouse and his likeness.

When Mickey Mouse enters the public domain, anyone will be able to use and adapt his character without the need for permission or licensing from Disney. This could lead to a proliferation of new Mickey Mouse-themed products, from movies and TV shows to toys and clothing. It could also result in a rise in the number of Mickey Mouse impersonators, with performers potentially using the character in their acts without the need for authorization from Disney.

Moreover, the expiration of the copyright on Mickey Mouse could also lead to a decline in the value of Disney’s intellectual property. As more people are able to use and adapt the character, the uniqueness and distinctiveness of Mickey Mouse could be diluted. This could make it more difficult for Disney to differentiate itself from competitors and maintain its market share.

However, it is important to note that the expiration of the copyright on Mickey Mouse will not happen overnight. The copyright on the character is set to expire in the United States in 2024, and in other countries, it could take even longer. Additionally, Disney has already begun to develop new properties and characters, such as Frozen and Moana, which will help to mitigate the impact of the loss of the copyright on Mickey Mouse.

The Legal Battle Over Mickey Mouse

The History of the Legal Battle

The Origins of the Legal Battle

The legal battle over Mickey Mouse’s copyright began in the 1980s, when the character’s original copyright was set to expire. At the time, the copyright on the character had been owned by Walt Disney Productions, which was acquired by ABC in 1989. Under the law at the time, copyright protection for works created before 1978 were set to expire after a period of 56 years. As a result, the original copyright on Mickey Mouse was set to expire in 1989.

However, in 1998, Congress passed the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, which extended the term of copyright protection for works created before 1978 by an additional 20 years. This act effectively extended the copyright on Mickey Mouse until 2003.

The Copyright Term Extension Controversy

The extension of the copyright on Mickey Mouse and other works created before 1978 was controversial, with many arguing that it was a giveaway to Disney and other media companies. Critics argued that the extension was a violation of the principle of limited copyright, which holds that copyright protection should be limited in duration and scope.

Critics also argued that the extension was unnecessary, as there was no evidence that the original copyright on Mickey Mouse had not already been adequately protected. They pointed out that the character had been a hugely successful commercial enterprise for Disney for many years, and that the company had already made substantial profits from the character.

The Legal Battle Continues

Despite the controversy surrounding the copyright extension, Disney has continued to defend its ownership of the character’s copyright. In recent years, the company has been involved in a number of legal battles over the use of the character’s image and likeness, including a lawsuit filed by a group of Florida businesses that alleged that Disney had violated their trademark rights by using the character’s image on merchandise.

The legal battle over Mickey Mouse’s copyright is likely to continue for many years to come, as the character remains one of the most iconic and valuable intellectual properties in the world. The outcome of the battle will have significant implications for the future of copyright law, as well as for the future of Disney and other media companies that rely on the character’s popularity and commercial appeal.

The Current Status of the Legal Battle

Despite the legal battle over the copyright of Mickey Mouse, the character remains a beloved icon of American pop culture. However, the question of what happens when the copyright expires and Mickey Mouse enters the public domain is still up in the air. The legal battle has been ongoing for years, with both sides presenting their arguments and counterarguments.

One of the main arguments put forth by those who want to keep Mickey Mouse under copyright is that the character is an important part of American culture and should be protected as such. They argue that allowing the character to enter the public domain would harm the Disney Corporation’s ability to control and profit from the character, which would ultimately harm the company’s bottom line.

On the other hand, those who support making Mickey Mouse public domain argue that the character has already become a part of the cultural fabric of America and should be freely available for use by anyone. They argue that the current copyright laws are outdated and do not reflect the changing nature of the modern world.

At present, the legal battle over Mickey Mouse remains unresolved. The character’s copyright is set to expire in 2024, but it is unclear what will happen once it does. Some have speculated that Disney will try to extend the copyright again, while others believe that the character will finally enter the public domain.

Regardless of the outcome of the legal battle, it is clear that Mickey Mouse will continue to be an important part of American culture for years to come. Whether he remains under copyright or enters the public domain, his influence on American society will endure.

The Possible Outcomes of the Legal Battle

One possible outcome of the legal battle over Mickey Mouse is that the current copyright laws are extended, and Mickey Mouse remains under copyright protection for a longer period of time. This would mean that Disney would continue to hold the exclusive rights to Mickey Mouse and would be able to control how he is used and marketed.

Another possible outcome is that the copyright laws are changed, and Mickey Mouse becomes public domain. This would mean that anyone would be able to use Mickey Mouse without seeking permission from Disney, as long as they follow the rules of fair use. This could lead to a proliferation of Mickey Mouse merchandise and media, as well as new interpretations and adaptations of the character.

A third possible outcome is that a compromise is reached, in which Mickey Mouse becomes public domain for certain uses, such as education or parody, while remaining under copyright protection for commercial uses. This could be a way to balance the interests of Disney and the public, while also protecting the integrity of the character.

It is important to note that the outcome of the legal battle over Mickey Mouse will have significant implications for the future of copyright law and the ability of companies to control their intellectual property. The decision will also have a major impact on the way that the public is able to interact with and use some of the most iconic characters in popular culture.

The Ethical Implications of Mickey Mouse Becoming Public Domain

The Argument for Keeping Mickey Mouse in Copyright Protection

One of the primary arguments for keeping Mickey Mouse in copyright protection is the preservation of the character’s original vision and intent. This includes the protection of the distinctive style and personality that has been developed over the years by Disney’s creative teams. By keeping Mickey Mouse in copyright protection, the original creators and their estates can ensure that their vision for the character is not diluted or distorted by unauthorized use or interpretation.

Another argument for keeping Mickey Mouse in copyright protection is the economic impact on the creative industries. The Disney company has invested billions of dollars in creating and promoting the Mickey Mouse character, and this investment has contributed significantly to the growth and success of the creative industries. By keeping Mickey Mouse in copyright protection, Disney can continue to control the commercial use of the character and protect its investment, which in turn supports the wider creative industry and the jobs it provides.

Furthermore, keeping Mickey Mouse in copyright protection also ensures that the character remains a valuable cultural asset. Mickey Mouse has become an iconic symbol of American culture and a beloved character around the world. By keeping the character in copyright protection, Disney can ensure that it remains a valuable cultural asset that can be enjoyed and celebrated by future generations.

Finally, there is also an argument for keeping Mickey Mouse in copyright protection based on the legal framework that has been established to protect intellectual property. The current copyright laws provide a framework for protecting creative works and ensuring that creators are rewarded for their contributions to culture. By keeping Mickey Mouse in copyright protection, the legal framework that has been established to protect intellectual property can continue to function as intended, providing a level of certainty and stability for creators and consumers alike.

The Argument for Allowing Mickey Mouse to Become Public Domain

• The current copyright laws that govern the ownership of Mickey Mouse were put in place in the early 20th century.
  • At the time, it was difficult to predict the longevity and lasting impact of a character like Mickey Mouse.
  • The laws were created with the intention of providing creators with exclusive rights over their work for a limited period of time.
• However, as the years have passed, the continued extension of copyright terms has been met with increasing criticism.
  • The argument against perpetual copyright is based on the idea that creators should not be able to control their work indefinitely.
  • Proponents of this view argue that copyright laws should be balanced with the public’s right to access and use creative works.
• In the case of Mickey Mouse, the character’s impending release into the public domain has sparked a debate about the ethics of perpetual copyright.
  • Some argue that it is unethical to continue to restrict the public’s access to a character that has become such an iconic part of our cultural heritage.
  • Others argue that the creators of Mickey Mouse deserve to be compensated for their work and that the extension of copyright terms is necessary to protect their interests.
• Ultimately, the question of whether or not to allow Mickey Mouse to become public domain raises important ethical questions about the role of copyright in society.
  • It highlights the need for a balance between the rights of creators and the public’s right to access and use creative works.
  • As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the future of Mickey Mouse will play out and what impact it will have on the wider issue of copyright and creative ownership.

The Future of Mickey Mouse

The Possibility of Extending the Copyright Protection

Background

Mickey Mouse, the beloved cartoon character created by Walt Disney in 1928, has been a significant cultural icon for generations. As of now, Mickey Mouse’s copyright protection is set to expire in 2024 in the United States, which means that the character will enter the public domain. However, there is a possibility that the copyright protection could be extended again.

Factors Affecting the Extension of Copyright Protection

The extension of copyright protection for Mickey Mouse and other characters is subject to various factors, including:

1. Lobbying efforts by Disney and other media companies
2. Changes in copyright laws and regulations
3. Public opinion and cultural significance of the character

The Impact of Extending Copyright Protection

If the copyright protection for Mickey Mouse is extended, it would mean that the character would remain under the control of Disney and would not be available for use by other creators or companies. This could have a significant impact on the entertainment industry, as well as on the way that the public perceives and interacts with Mickey Mouse and other cultural icons.

However, it is important to note that extending copyright protection is not without its own set of controversies and criticisms. Some argue that it stifles creativity and innovation by preventing others from building upon existing works, while others argue that it is necessary to protect the rights of creators and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work.

Overall, the possibility of extending the copyright protection for Mickey Mouse and other characters is a complex issue that involves a range of legal, cultural, and economic factors. As the copyright expiration date approaches, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what the future holds for these beloved cultural icons.

The Possibility of Creating New Characters

As Mickey Mouse enters the public domain, the possibility of creating new characters inspired by him becomes increasingly likely. Here are some potential ways in which new characters could be developed:

• Inspired by Mickey Mouse: New characters could be created that are directly inspired by Mickey Mouse, either in appearance or in character traits. For example, a new character could be a mouse who is just as adventurous and mischievous as Mickey, or they could have a similar sense of humor.
• Expanding the World of Disney: New characters could be created that expand the world of Disney and its various franchises. For example, a new character could be introduced in the world of “Toy Story” who is a toy mouse, or a new character could be introduced in the world of “Star Wars” who is a mouse in a galaxy far, far away.
• Re-imagining Classic Characters: New characters could be created that re-imagine classic Disney characters in a new light. For example, a new character could be created that is a modern-day version of Snow White, or a new character could be created that is a twist on Cinderella.
• Incorporating New Technology: New characters could be created that incorporate new technology, such as virtual reality or augmented reality. For example, a new character could be created that interacts with the user in a virtual world, or a new character could be created that is designed to be holographic.

Overall, the possibility of creating new characters inspired by Mickey Mouse is an exciting prospect that could lead to the development of new and innovative characters that capture the imagination of audiences around the world.

The Possibility of Retiring Mickey Mouse

The possibility of retiring Mickey Mouse is a topic that has been discussed among experts in the entertainment industry. With the character’s popularity spanning over several decades, it is no surprise that many are curious about what the future holds for the iconic mouse.

One of the main reasons why the idea of retiring Mickey Mouse has been proposed is due to the fact that the character has been used extensively in various forms of media, including movies, television shows, and merchandise. As a result, many argue that the character has become overexposed and is in need of a break.

Additionally, there are concerns about the impact that retiring Mickey Mouse could have on the Disney brand. The company has built its reputation around the character, and without him, there is a fear that the brand may lose its identity.

However, despite these concerns, some experts believe that retiring Mickey Mouse could be a strategic move for the company. By giving the character a break, Disney could focus on developing new characters and stories that could appeal to a wider audience.

Moreover, retiring Mickey Mouse could also give the character a chance to evolve and reinvent himself. By taking a break from the spotlight, Mickey could come back with a fresh new look and feel, appealing to a new generation of fans.

Overall, the possibility of retiring Mickey Mouse is a topic that has been discussed at length, with both pros and cons. While it may be a risky move for Disney, it could also be an opportunity for the company to reinvent itself and explore new avenues.

FAQs

1. What is public domain?

Public domain refers to works that are not protected by copyright and are free for use by the public. When a work enters the public domain, it means that the copyright on that work has expired and the work can be used by anyone without obtaining permission or paying royalties.

2. When will Mickey Mouse become public domain?

Mickey Mouse is currently protected by copyright and will remain so until 2024. After that, the copyright on the character will expire and Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain.

3. What happens when Mickey Mouse becomes public domain?

When Mickey Mouse becomes public domain, it will be free for anyone to use without obtaining permission or paying royalties. This means that anyone can create new works featuring Mickey Mouse without having to worry about copyright infringement. However, it’s important to note that any new works created featuring Mickey Mouse will also be subject to copyright protection.

4. Will Disney lose control of Mickey Mouse when he becomes public domain?

No, Disney will not lose control of Mickey Mouse when he becomes public domain. While the copyright on the character will expire, Disney will still own the trademark on the character and will be able to control how he is used. This means that Disney will still be able to license the use of Mickey Mouse and profit from his image.

5. What impact will Mickey Mouse becoming public domain have on the entertainment industry?

The impact of Mickey Mouse becoming public domain on the entertainment industry is difficult to predict. It’s possible that it could lead to an increase in the use of the character in new works, as well as a decrease in licensing fees for Disney. However, it’s also possible that the impact will be minimal, as the character is already widely recognized and used in various forms of media.