The original Mickey Mouse's copyright has expired after 95 years, opening the door for non-Disney creative works featuring the character.

The model, released just after the turn of the year, can be used to create images of Mickey, Minnie, and Peg Leg Pete based on images taken from a trio of now-public domain 1928 Disney shorts.

Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain on Jan. 1, ... “If I draw a picture of Mickey Mouse, I owe Walt Disney a $190,000 fine, $10,000 more for legal fees, and a year in prison.” ...

Mickey Mouse Is Now In the Public Domain. Well, Sort Of. Even though only one very specific version of the character is free to use, it still represents a positive step for creative expression.

The pen and ink and watercolor has a high estimate of $600,000. Christie’s Images Ltd. 2025 Mickey and Minnie Mouse on a tin-plate toy motorcycle, circa 1935.