In the sober light of 2024, Steamboat Willie, the 1928 short that effectively launched the empire that Walt built, can now be used by anyone and everyone. The legal status of Mickey and Minnie ...

This film makes use of Public domain Steamboat Willie Mickey Mouse only. Steamboat Willie’s Mickey Mouse entered public domain on January 1st 2024.” Dominic Patten contributed to this report.

Today, he is featured in virtually every aspect of Disney’s branding. Hidden Mickeys–designs that show the outline of Mickey Mouse’s head–are placed all across Disney’s theme parks.