This collage shows some of the works entering the public domain on Jan. 1, with the Mickey Mouse of “Steamboat Willie” given pride of place. It might be unusual to find Mickey Mouse and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” mentioned in the same breath. But you can chalk up their momentary fellowship to America’s copyright laws, under which both are entering the public domain on Jan. 1. Creators using Mickey Mouse may be well advised to stick with the ur-Mickey in “Steamboat Willie.”Another caution involves Disney’s ownership of Mickey as a trademark. In other words, celebrate the liberation of Mickey Mouse into the public domain if you wish.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 26, 2023 16:45 UTC