The most popular image of Mickey Mousethe iconic animated mouse we met on television will no longer be owned by Disney from January 1, 2024. The company, a giant in the entertainment industry, will lose the rights to his famous image at the end of this year.

This is the short film in which Mickey dances and whistles at the helm of a ship, a video that Disney usually uses in various productions to introduce the company.

Thus, Disney’s short film was made to celebrate its 100th anniversary and brings together all its characters

This video was originally produced by Walt Disney Studios, in 1928, and marks the first time Mickey and Minnie Mouse appeared on screen with sound. That’s why it was one of the catalysts for Disney’s fame.

However, Walt Disney only retained the copyright on this animated movie For 56 years, because that’s how the United States arranged it at the time. The company then insisted on 75 years of rights, and ultimately received an extension until 2024.

Once this extension ends, on January 1, the animation becomes public domainunless Disney reaches a new agreement.

In Florida, the official headquarters of Disney studios, lawmakers are fighting to prevent the company from regaining its copyrights to the Disney studios animated movieas Disney has publicly opposed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, which includes several restrictions on education in schools and colleges.

But Disney, preparing for this moment, has created new versions of the animation and they can be used in modern films in the future.

“Of the first appearance of Mickey Mouse in the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie, people have associated the character with authentic Disney stories, experiences and products,” a Disney spokesperson said. “That will not change if copyright expires. from the movie Steamboat Willie.”

For now, The legal battle does not involve any other images of Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouseand both characters will remain ambassadors for the Disney parks.