What Disney copyrights are expiring?
Asked by: Junius Emard | Last update: April 2, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (50 votes)
Disney's copyright expirations primarily involve early characters like Mickey Mouse (specifically the Steamboat Willie version in 2024) and Winnie the Pooh (the original book characters in 2022) entering the public domain, allowing others to use those specific depictions, though Disney retains rights to later versions and trademarks. Upcoming expirations in the near future include more early Mickey shorts in 2025, and eventually, characters like Donald Duck, Superman, and Batman will follow, but Disney vigorously protects its IP, so using these characters requires careful attention to which version or iteration is used.
What copyright did Disney lose?
We've all heard the bad news of Disney having lost its copyright protection of its classic cartoon "Steamboat Willie", which marked the debut of what became Walt Disney's most successful and the world's most famous cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. Well, here's a cartoon based on that.
What Disney characters are public domain in 2025?
In 2025 copyright expires over more aspects of Mickey from his 1929 incarnations, along with the initial versions of Popeye and Tintin. As with Pooh and Mickey, it is the original versions of Popeye and Tintin that are public domain.
What will enter the public domain in 2026?
In 2026, works from 1930 entered the U.S. public domain, including classic books like William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, Agatha Christie's Murder at the Vicarage, and the first four Nancy Drew novels, Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, and literary hits like The Little Engine That Could; films such as the Marx Brothers' Animal Crackers and All Quiet on the Western Front; early characters like the first version of Betty Boop (from Dizzy Dishes) and Disney's "Rover" (later Pluto); iconic songs including "Georgia on My Mind," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and Gershwin tunes like "I Got Rhythm"; and art by Mondrian and the original FIFA World Cup trophy.
Which Disney cartoon no longer falls under copyright laws?
What Disney Characters Entered the Public Domain in 2024? This year, the “Steamboat Willie” version of Mickey Mouse is now in the public domain. Originally released in 1928, this version of Mickey also appeared in the silent version of“Plane Crazy,” which introduced Minnie as his girlfriend.
How Disney Will Control Mickey Forever
What characters will enter public domain in 2030?
Several of Mickey's companions—including Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck—will be entering public domain in the next five years. The copyright on many of DC Comics' stars—like Superman, Batman, the Joker, and Wonder Woman—will expire in the 2030s.
Is Betty Boop in public domain?
Yes, the original, dog-like version of Betty Boop from the 1930 cartoon "Dizzy Dishes" entered the public domain on January 1, 2026, but the fully developed, human-like Betty Boop character remains protected by copyright and trademark law, with later versions becoming public domain over time as their copyrights expire. This means you can freely use the early, dog-eared Betty, but using the modern, humanized version requires permission due to ongoing intellectual property rights held by Fleischer Studios.
Are you allowed to legally use the image of Mickey Mouse?
Disney holds the copyright to this beloved character, but it won't last forever. In 2023, the copyright protection to the likeness of Mickey Mouse will end. After that, Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain, meaning anyone can use the character in their creative works without Disney's permission or payment.
Are 100 year old photos public domain?
Lexy DeGraffenreid Just a qualifier: Published photos (and anything else, except sound recordings which have their own rules) that are 95 years old are public domain. Unpublished materials have copyright for the life of the creator plus 75 years, or for 120 years for corporate works.
Is the name Cinderella copyrighted?
It is in the public domain, and is not copyrighted. Add for trademark, Disney has done much more with Cinderella than just one movies and therefore asserts trademark rights.
What characters will be public domain in 2028?
Several of Mickey's companions—including Pluto (2026), Goofy (2028), and Donald Duck (2029)—will be entering public domain in the next five years along with Betty Boop (2026), King Kong (2029), and Bugs Bunny (2035).
Is the Wizard of Oz movie public domain?
Yes, L. Frank Baum's original 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is in the public domain in the U.S., allowing free use of its story and characters, but the iconic 1939 MGM movie, its specific visual elements (like ruby slippers, green skin), and derivative works (like Wicked) are still under copyright. So, you can adapt the book freely, but adding elements from the famous film requires permission.
Why can't Disney use Mickey Mouse anymore?
Mickey Mouse isn't being "cancelled," but the original 1928 version from Steamboat Willie entered the public domain, meaning anyone can use that specific, older design without Disney's permission, leading to new, often dark, creative projects like horror films. Disney still owns trademarks and copyrights on modern versions of Mickey, so using newer depictions or his name still requires licensing. The confusion arises from this complex shift from copyrighted character to public domain figure, sparking debate and new uses, not a cancellation of the beloved mascot.
How much did Scarlett Johansson sue Disney for?
Scarlett Johansson sued Disney for breaching her contract for Black Widow, alleging the simultaneous theatrical and Disney+ release cost her an estimated $50 million in potential box-office bonuses, though reports suggest a confidential settlement was reached for around $40 million, with the terms kept private. The lawsuit centered on the film's dual release, which impacted her earnings, leading to a dispute resolved with an undisclosed sum, according to Forbes and The Hollywood Reporter.
Is it legal to get a Disney tattoo?
Yes, Disney allows tattoos for both guests and Cast Members (employees), but with restrictions: tattoos must be family-friendly (no offensive content, nudity, or hate speech), and for Cast Members, they generally must not be on the face, head, or neck, and should be smaller than a hand, though some leaders allow minor exceptions or covering them. Disney updated its policy in 2021 to be more inclusive, allowing visible tattoos for employees within these guidelines, promoting individual expression.
Has Disney sued anyone for copyright infringement?
Analysis. On June 11, Disney, NBC Universal, and DreamWorks filed a major copyright infringement lawsuit against AI image-generation company Midjourney, alleging mass infringement of the companies' intellectual properties.
What does "public domain" actually mean?
Materials that are in the "public domain" are works that are not protected by any kind of intellectual property laws, including copyright. Anyone may use public domain works without seeking permission from or compensating the copyright holder, including for commercial purposes.
Which Looney Tunes are in public domain?
Many early Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts (pre-1949), especially those with expired copyright renewals or government-produced ones, are in the public domain, including early Bosko cartoons like "Sinkin' in the Bathtub" and "Congo Jazz," plus some from the 1940s like "Porky's Prize Pony" and "Yankee Doodle Daffy," but beware of colorized versions or "Blue Ribbon" reissues, which often have renewed copyrights.
Why was bimbo removed from Betty Boop?
Bimbo was removed from Betty Boop cartoons primarily due to internal studio decisions and the growing impact of the Hays Code censorship, which made an anthropomorphic dog dating a human girl too risqué; while the Code suggested changes, Fleischer Studios staff used it as an excuse to phase out the inconsistent character as Betty Boop became the main focus.
Is Barbie copyright free?
Mattel, Inc. owns Barbie intellectual property, which includes trademarks, copyrights, and design patents covering everything from the name "Barbie," the handwritten and whimsical bright pink logo (Pantone 219C to be specific), Barbie's likeness, and even Barbie's clothes, accessories, style, design, packaging, and ...
Is Snoopy still copyrighted?
COPYRIGHT PERMISSION & INFORMATION
Please be aware that it is illegal to use any Peanuts characters without permission from Peanuts Worldwide.
Is Hello Kitty public domain?
Successful and recognizable cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, and Hello Kitty) are often protected by both copyright and trade mark laws. It is also not uncommon for right holders to try to enforce at least some of the rights in expired copyright works through trademarks.
What just entered the public domain in 2025?
As of Jan. 1, 2025, all the books, films, songs, and art published in the 1920s or earlier are now public domain.