On January 1, 2024, the early version of Mickey Mouse from Walt Disney’s 1928 film Steamboat Willie entered the public domain. Having been a symbol of Disney for nearly a century, Mickey Mouse can now expand beyond exclusive Disney ownership due to the expiration of the 95- year copyright period. While the original Steamboat Willie Mickey is now open for creative reinterpretation, modern versions of Mickey Mouse remain under Disney’s copyright and trademark protection.