On Monday, January 1, the initial black-and-white version of Mickey Mouse, recognizable from the short film "Steamboat Willie," transitioned into the public domain. Consequently, Disney no longer ...

Some of this can get a bit tricky, and Mickey Mouse is a prime example. His entry into the public domain in 2024 only falls under his Steamboat Willie appearance in 1928, minus the white gloves.

such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland. In 1999, the show was replaced by Mickey Mouse Works, later given a plot as House of Mouse.

An early Walt Disney movie featuring the first appearance of Mickey Mouse is among the copyrighted works from 1928 moving into the public domain on Jan. 1, 2024. But the cartoon creature who stars ...