Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan Enter Public Domain

Peter Pan and Mickey Mouse entered the public domain in 2024, allowing artists to rework or reimagine the earliest versions of these characters. The original play of Peter Pan by JM Barrie and the 1928 animated shorts Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse became available for public use on Jan 1, 2024. The recent entry of these characters into the public domain reflects the complex relationship between intellectual property and corporate interests in the entertainment industry. Notably, the 1953 Disney production of Peter Pan and newer versions of the iconic characters remain under copyright protection. Other works that entered the public domain in 2024 include Winnie The Pooh characters and several notable literary and film works. The public domain day marks the expiration of copyrights and the entry of works into the public domain, offering opportunities for creative reimaginings and derivative works.