Although the imagery for Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain, The Walt Disney Company still owns trademarks for the Mickey Mouse name and thousands of symbols associated with the character. Trademark protections last as long as Disney continues to use Mickey Mouse as a brand.

Is the Mickey Mouse logo copyrighted?

Even though the copyright will expire, Mickey Mouse is trademarked, which adds complications. The New York Times reported that trademarks do not expire over time like copyrights do.

Are Disney character images copyrighted?

To utilise Disney characters without violating their rights, you must obtain permission from The Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries. Its characters are protected by copyright and trademark laws, and unauthorised use can lead to legal consequences.

Can I sell Mickey Mouse shirts?

Can I Sell Original Disney-themed Stuff on Etsy? New sellers on Etsy may wonder if there's a way to skirt copyright infringement. Unless you're in possession of a license(more on this later) from the licensing department of Disney, you're not allowed to sell any of their products.

What Disney is public domain?

HLT: A few major Disney characters, such as Steamboat Willie and Winnie the Pooh, are now in the public domain, and others are expected to join them in the coming years.

Mickey Mouse and copyright law

Is Disney losing copyright to Mickey Mouse?

In 1928, copyrights lasted for 28 years, with the option for renewal of another 28 years. As of 2023, Mickey Mouse was published almost 95 years ago. The copyright of the original Mickey Mouse character – as it appeared in “Steamboat Willie” – expires on January 1, 2024.

How can I use Disney characters legally?

To utilise Disney characters without violating their rights, you must obtain permission from The Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries. Its characters are protected by copyright and trademark laws, and unauthorised use can lead to legal consequences.

Can I put a cartoon on a shirt and sell it?

Note that you also cannot sell derivative artworks made of copyrighted characters. That means you cannot draw a Mickey Mouse design by yourself and put it on your t-shirt to sell it for profit. Derivative artworks are also considered copyright infringement.

How is Mickey Mouse still copyrighted?

Despite the copyright law and Steamboat Willie's copyright expiration, Disney's approval is still required for others to use Mickey Mouse material, even the one that will eventually become public domain, in anything outside of fair use, thanks to the mouse's trademark protection.

Can I sell shirts with Disney characters on Etsy?

Disney's Intellectual Property Rights

They own the rights to many popular characters and stories, and they do not hesitate to protect those rights. This means that if you are selling items on Etsy that feature Disney characters or other copyrighted material, you could be at risk of legal action from Disney.

Can you sell Mickey ears on Etsy?

Yes, you can sell Mickey Mouse ears on Etsy. However, there are a few things you need to take into account before doing so. Firstly, it's important to check whether or not your chosen platform allows the sale of Disney-licensed merchandise.

What Disney characters are copyright free?

What will enter public domain in 2023?

Can I use Mickey Mouse images?

For example, artists who want to use Mickey Mouse in their creative works must first get permission from Disney (the current copyright holder) until November 2023. After that date, the copyright will expire, Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain, and artists will not need Disney's permission to use Mickey Mouse.

Can I draw a picture of Mickey Mouse and sell it?

Selling any product on which Mickey Mouse -- or any other fictional character created by someone other than you -- is unlawful under both copyright law and, likely, trademark law.

Is Popeye still copyrighted?

In the US, Popeye is considered “work for hire” because “Segar was an employee of King Features Syndicate when he introduced Popeye into the Thimble Theatre comic strip.” This means that Popeye will enter the public domain in the US on January 1, 2025.

Is Bugs Bunny in the public domain?

Mickey Mouse, Batman, Superman and Bugs Bunny all become public domain in the next 10 years. The Hundred Acre Wood has seen some pretty unsettling things over the years.

Is Donald Duck in the public domain?

And over the next dozen years or so, many other well-known characters will see their copyright expire, too, including: Mickey Mouse (2024) Pluto (2025) Donald Duck (2029)

Is Peter Pan in the public domain?

US copyright

Although the novel Peter Pan (also known as Peter and Wendy) is in the public domain in the US, the play (and stage adaptations) is in copyright there until December 2023.

How do you avoid copyright infringement on t shirts?

Focus On Creating Original Designs From Scratch

The best tip that we can give to limit any designers or business owners from mistaken copyright infringement lawsuits is to create your own t-shirt, plain and simple. Avoid derivative work and make original designs that are unique.

Can I draw a celebrity and sell it on a shirt?

Celebrities own the rights to their images, so by selling these you are breaking trademark infringement laws (and you can't use their names either). Fan art ceases to be fan art once you are selling it.

Is it legal to sell shirts with logos?

In short, if a design is copyrighted, you shouldn't start selling it or something similar in your shop. Only the owner of that exclusive design has the authorization to monetize it.

Can I draw Disney characters and sell them?

Right of Resale

Copyright and trademark law says that you can't make Disney items without a license. However, buying items, then reselling them is legal under the first-sale doctrine – you don't need anyone's permission.

How do I get permission to use cartoon characters?

Getting permission to use copyrighted cartoons and other material is easy. All you have to do is contact the owner of the copyright—usually the creator of the material—and ask for permission.

How much does it cost to license a Disney character?

From what I have read the licenses start at around $10,000 for each item you want to make, plus a percentage of each sale.