After 95 years under Disney's wing, Mickey Mouse has set sail for the public domain! On January 1st, the iconic character's copyright expired, making his earliest version, the steamboat-whistling captain from "Steamboat Willie," free for anyone to use.

This change is due to the US law protecting copyrights for 95 years, sometimes nicknamed the "Mickey Mouse Protection Act." While Disney benefited from past copyright extensions, the current term likely won't be stretched further.

However, don't expect to see Mickey Mouse cereal from off-brand companies just yet. The public domain applies only to the 1928 black-and-white Mickey. Modern versions and his trademark as a Disney icon remain firmly protected.

"More modern versions of Mickey remain subject to copyright, and he will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for Disney," the company assured.

So, while Mickey's early adventures are open season for creative reimaginings, Disney still holds the reins for the beloved character we know and love today.

This isn't the only public domain debut of 2024. Tigger, the bouncy Winnie the Pooh pal, also joins the ranks as his first book turns 96. These classic characters entering the public domain open exciting possibilities for creators and fans alike, while reminding us of the intricate balance between artistic protection and public access.