Is Steamboat Willie Still Trademarked? (Or Is It Copyrighted?)

Steamboat Willie, the iconic 1928 animated short film that introduced the world to Mickey Mouse, has long been a cornerstone of animation history.

Its groundbreaking synchronization of sound and image marked a new era in entertainment.

As of January 1, 2024, Steamboat Willie has entered the public domain, prompting questions about its legal status.

While the film itself is no longer copyrighted, the character of Mickey Mouse remains protected under trademark law.

This article (1) explores the current status of Steamboat Willie, (2) clarifies the differences between copyright and trademark protections, and (3) examines how these legal frameworks continue to influence the legacy of Mickey Mouse and other early works.

Steamboat Willie enters the public domain. 

Steamboat Willie entered the public domain on January 1, 2024.

This means that the copyright protection that once prevented the unauthorized use and reproduction of the film has expired.

Works published between 1923 and 1977 enter the public domain 95 years after their initial publication, allowing them to be freely used by the public without the need for permission or payment of royalties.

The "Mickey Mouse Protection Act" and its relation to Steamboat Willie

The "Mickey Mouse Protection Act," officially known as the Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA) of 1998, extended U.S. copyright terms by 20 years.

This legislation allowed works published before 1978, like Steamboat Willie, to remain under copyright for 95 years instead of 75 years.

As a result, Steamboat Willie entered the public domain on January 1, 2024, rather than 2003.

While Steamboat Willie is now in the public domain, Mickey Mouse remains protected under trademark law.

Disney can renew trademarks indefinitely, ensuring continued control over Mickey Mouse's commercial use​.

Ever wondered what other famous copyrighted works might have entered the public domain? Read our other articles:

• Is Snow White Public Domain? (Let's Explore!)
• Is Felix the Cat Public Domain? (It's Complicated!)
• Is Jack and Jill Public Domain? (+ A Quick History Lesson)

What is the difference between trademark and copyright protection?

Understanding the distinction between trademark and copyright protection is crucial in discussing the status of Steamboat Willie.

Copyright law protection applies to original works of authorship, such as:

• Literary,
• Musical,
• And artistic works (including films).

The Copyright Act grants the creator exclusive rights to distribute, reproduce, perform, and display the work.

These rights are intended to encourage creators to produce new works by allowing them to benefit financially from their creations for a limited time.

Trademarks, however, are symbols, names, and slogans used to identify and distinguish services and goods in the marketplace.

A trademark may consist of a word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these components.

The primary purpose of a trademark is to prevent consumer confusion by ensuring that consumers can identify the source of a product or service.

Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely as long as they are in use and continue to identify a particular source.

Is Mickey Mouse trademarked?

Yes, Mickey Mouse is trademarked.

The Walt Disney Company holds trademarks on the Mickey Mouse character and other related characters and symbols.

Trademarks protect the character's image, likeness, and name, preventing others from using them in ways that could cause confusion among consumers or dilute the brand's value.

This distinction allows Disney to continue to control and profit from the use of Mickey Mouse in various forms of media, merchandise, and branding.

Steamboat Willie and other works entering the public domain

The entry of Steamboat Willie into the public domain is part of a larger trend where numerous works from the late 1920s are becoming freely accessible to the public.

Each year, a new batch of works enters the public domain, enriching the cultural commons and allowing for new creative and scholarly activities.

The public domain status of Steamboat Willie opens up various opportunities for artists, educators, historians, and the general public to use, reinterpret, and build upon the film.

It can be screened, remixed, or adapted without the need for permission from Disney.

However, users must be cautious not to infringe on Disney's trademark rights related to Mickey Mouse and other protected elements.

Disney still remains protected.

While Steamboat Willie has entered the public domain, marking the end of its copyright protection, the character of Mickey Mouse remains protected under trademark law.

This distinction highlights copyright and trademark protection's different roles in safeguarding creative works and commercial assets.

As more works enter the public domain, they continue to inspire new generations of creators, contributing to the ongoing evolution of our cultural heritage.

Want to protect your own works? Get your copyright secured today at Copyrightable by Trademarkia and protect the sanctity of your intellectual property.