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Mickey Mouse to Enter Public Domain: "It's Finally Happening'" (variety.com)
28 points by ComplexSystems on Dec 22, 2023 | hide | past | favorite | 7 comments


I am not a lawyer, but as I understand it, Steamboat Willie is entering the public domain, not Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse is a trademark, and trademarks don't expire.

I'm not entirely sure what that means here, but I've got a strong suspicion that the guy would still not be able to get away with a Mickey Mouse comic book.


Mickey mouse as a concept will enter public domain. Although with a trademark, it will be hard to do a Mickey mouse animation. See Sherlock Holmes. Some, but not all of Sherlock Holmes is on public domain. Also note that trademarks expire, they have to be renewed. In addition, you can lose a trademark. See Kleenex, escalator, zipper, bandaid, etc.


There was a law school article submitted a few days ago that provides a very good roundup:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38678021


This is one of those "wont believe until I see it"


Congress is already on winter break. It's going to happen.


A Mickey FPS anyone?!


You mean Mouse [0]? It's coming 2025!

[0]: https://youtu.be/av3K-PEEF1c?si=5pTMiN1s-SxPcb83




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