For a change of pace this week, we look at “mouse print”, literally — the copyright notice used by the Walt Disney company to protect its most famous cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. It seems the company may have failed to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s in the early days, and that could thrust Mickey, or at least an early version of him, into the public domain.
As reported in the LA Times, here is how the story begins:
Disney’s Rights to Young Mickey Mouse May be Wrong
Film credits from the 1920s reveal imprecision in copyright claims that some experts say could invalidate Disney’s long-held copyright.
He is the world’s most famous personality, better known in this country than anyone living or dead, real or fictional. Market researchers say his 97% recognition rate in the U.S. edges out even Santa Claus.He is the one — and, for now, only — Mickey Mouse.
As Mickey turns 80 this fall, the most beloved rodent in show business is widely regarded as a national treasure. But he is owned lock, stock and trademark ears by the corporate heirs of his genius creator, Walt Disney.
Brand experts reckon his value to today’s Walt Disney Co. empire at more than $3 billion. Acts of Congress have extended Mickey’s copyright so long that they provoked a Supreme Court challenge, making Mickey the ultimate symbol of intellectual property.
All signs pointed to a Hollywood ending with Disney and Mickey Mouse living happily ever after — at least until a grumpy former employee looked closely at fine print long forgotten in company archives.
Please visit the LA Times to read the full story, lest Mouse Print* be guilty of copyright infringement.
Disney Corp is the ultimate arrogant celebrity. As much as we all love the Disney characters, the corporation takes way too much advantage of its fans. Granted it’s a business and should be entitled to use market forces to build its empire, but where’s the compassion that gives a decent break to all the little people that got you to that pedestal?
I hear that Disneyland just raised it’s daily admission prices to something like $80/day…I’m guessing that a lot is because people just keep flooding through its gates, and now that the U.S. dollar is low in the international market, more people will be coming to the U.S. so I guess Disney decided to capitalize and raise it’s prices to match international market demand (rather than national demand) knowing that the surrounding prices will still be quite reasonable to the foreigners coming into town.
But all that said, the article (as presented) does not say that Mickey is going into the public domain. However, if he does it will be interesting to see IF there is any impact on Disney Corp.