Mickey Mouse will soon belong to you and me — with some caveats

Category: Business

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. caveat / ˈkæv iˌɑt / (n.) – a warning or statement that includes specific conditions or limitations to consider about something
    Example:

    The job offer came with a caveat that the employee must be ready to travel frequently.


  2. quintessential / ˌkwɪn təˈsɛn ʃəl / (adj.) – being the most perfect or typical example of something
    Example:

    The Eiffel Tower is often considered the quintessential symbol of Paris.


  3. derisively / dɪˈraɪ sɪv li / (adv.) – in a way that expresses a complete lack of respect towards someone or something, treating it as if it is foolish or of no value
    Example:

    The group of kids pointed and laughed derisively at the boy’s very old shoes.


  4. mischievous / ˈmɪs tʃə vəs / (adj.) – behaving in a playful way, often to cause minor trouble or amusement
    Example:

    He gave a mischievous smile as he filled his friend’s backpack with rocks as a joke.


  5. ambassador / æmˈbæs ə ˌdɔr / (n.) – a person who promotes or represents a country, organization, idea, activity, or brand
    Example:

    The brand ambassador posted a video of him using the product he advertised online.


Article

Read the text below.

With several asterisks, qualifications, and caveats, Mickey Mouse in his earliest form will be the leader of the band of characters, films, and books that will become public domain as the year turns to 2024.


In a moment many close observers thought might never come, at least one version of the quintessential piece of intellectual property and perhaps the most iconic character in American pop culture will be free from Disney’s copyright as his first screen release, the 1928 short “Steamboat Willie,” featuring both Mickey and Minnie Mouse, becomes available for public use.


U.S. law allows copyright to be held for 95 years after Congress expanded it several times during Mickey’s life.


“It’s sometimes derisively referred to as the Mickey Mouse Protection Act,” said Jennifer Jenkins, a professor of law and director of Duke’s Center for the Study of Public Domain. “That’s oversimplified because it wasn’t just Disney that was pushing for term extension. It was a whole group of copyright holders whose works were set to go into the public domain soon, who benefited greatly from the 20 years of extra protection.”


Current artists and creators will be able to make use of Mickey but with major limits. It is only the more mischievous, rat-like, non-speaking boat captain in “Steamboat Willie” that has become public.


“More modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in our storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise,” Disney’s statement said.


Not every feature or personality trait a character displays is necessarily copyrightable, however, and courts could be busy in the coming years determining what’s inside and outside Disney’s ownership.


Disney still solidly and separately holds a trademark on Mickey as a corporate mascot and brand identifier, and the law forbids using the character deceptively to fool consumers into thinking a product is from the original creator. Anyone starting a film company or a theme park will not be free to make mouse ears their logo.


Disney’s statement said it “will work to safeguard against consumer confusion caused by unauthorized uses of Mickey and our other iconic characters.”


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • What do you think are the possible consequences of the older form of Mickey Mouse becoming a public domain (ex. Mickey might become even more popular, it might confuse consumers)? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, will Mickey Mouse still be an effective ambassador for Disney despite it being available for public use? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The new law allows copyrights to be held for 95 years before creations become public domain. Do you think 95 years is a reasonable amount of time? Do you believe that copyrights should have an expiration at all? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How do you think the public will benefit from creations belonging to the public domain (ex. it will encourage creativity without legal consequences, works will be available for education)? How do you think it will benefit you? Discuss.