It’s a new year, and that means some beloved creations, like Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan, are now in the public domain. As of January 1, 2024, works from 1928, including the iconic film Steamboat Willie, have entered the public domain in the United States.

When The Jazz Singer debuted in 1927, it marked a technical triumph with the introduction of the ‘talkie.’ Inspired by this technology, Walt Disney created Steamboat Willie, a short film that would later lead to the creation of the iconic Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Now, almost a century later, these copyrighted works from 1928 have become part of the public domain.

This event has significant implications for lawyers, scholars, artists, and the public. Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke University School of Law’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain, describes this as the most anticipated entry into the public domain. The list of works entering the public domain this year includes thousands of works published in 1928, as well as sound recordings released in 1923.

Over the years, the longevity of copyright protections has been heavily influenced by federal legislation, with companies like the Walt Disney Company advocating to maintain the value of their intellectual property. However, the entry of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse into the public domain marks a significant shift in the copyright landscape.