Copyright is a type of property which protects a number of different ‘works’ including original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works. In the UK, there is no requirement, or indeed any ability, to register copyright anywhere; it is something which automatically occurs upon the creation of an original literary work. In the UK, once created, copyright in a written, dramatic, musical or artistic works lasts for 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the author died (note: the duration of copyright in the UK has slightly different rules for sound recordings, broadcasts and films).
The duration of copyright is different in the USA, where protection is provided for 95 years from publication of the work. On this basis, the first Mickey Mouse, as shown in Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy, is no longer covered by copyright legislation and was released into the public domain in the USA on 1 January 2024. This means that the original Mickey Mouse can now be used and shared freely in the USA without any permissions or payments required. However, it is worth keeping in mind that this is only in relation to the specific Mickey Mouse which was shown in Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy. Any subsequent iterations will still be covered by copyright and cannot be used without permissions/payment. Film makers have been quick to jump on the bandwagon and original Mickey Mouse has already been used in a horror film which is set for release this year.