Disney have tried to fight copyright law for decades, back when Walt was still alive and even after he died. In 1998, the copyright for Steamboat Willie, the 1928 short that featured the first appearance of  Mickey Mouse, was 5 years away from expiring and entering into the public domain. Disney famously campaigned to extend the usual 75 year-long copyright law to 95 years. Unfortunately for them, 20 years after 1998 equals 2024, and that means time is officially up for Steamboat Willie.

To be clear, the expired copyright only applies to the original black & white rubberhose style Mickey, not the iconic red shorts iteration or indeed the version from Kingdom Hearts, and the same goes for Minnie and Pete. But that hasn't stopped hacks around the world from already creating shitty games, parody animations and cheap horror movies based on Mickey. And of course, the inevitable R34 that Disney can't do a thing about even if they wanted to. 

In 10 years we can look forward to Superman joining Mickey in the public domain. It'll be fun to see Warner Bros struggle with that on top of all the other bullshit decisions they always seem to make. Somehow, they're more incompetent than Disney. Anyway, what do you guys think about old stuff entering the public domain? Any you're looking forward to seeing expire? Leave your thoughts in the comments!