A 1920s version of Mickey Mouse is now in the public domain as Disney loses its decadeslong battle against the move

Mon, 01/01/2024 - 09:29

side-by-side of Steamboat Willie Mickey cartoon and modern-day Mickey mascot — "Steamboat Willie" Mickey Mouse (left) and modern-day Mickey (right).
LMPC, picture alliance/Getty Images

An early version of Mickey Mouse has entered the public domain.
It was first featured in Walt Disney's 1928 short film "Steamboat Willie."
Modern versions of the character will be unaffected by the move.

An early version of Mickey Mouse has entered the public domain for the first time today, ending a decadeslong battle by The Walt Disney Company to prevent the move.

The character was first featured in Disney's 1928 short film "Steamboat Willie," but it has some key differences from modern iterations, most notably lacking Mickey's gloves and oversize shoes.

The earlier version of Mickey Mouse also had small black ovals for eyes, compared to the modern version's larger eyes.