Walt Disney’s (NYSE:DIS) earliest rendition of Mickey Mouse, known as Steamboat Willie and created in 1928, is set to enter the public domain after 95 years of copyright protection in the United States. This signifies the conclusion of Disney’s exclusive rights to the character’s original depiction.

The original form of the company’s iconic mascot can now be utilized in films, video games, and various media without requiring permission from its previous copyright holder.

Disney, known for its influential role in shaping American childhood culture, has been vigilant in safeguarding its intellectual property, resorting to legal actions against unauthorized use of its characters.

Despite Steamboat Willie losing its copyright protection, Disney has clarified that more modern versions of Mickey Mouse will remain unaffected. The company intends to continue safeguarding its rights in newer iterations of the character.

Following Winnie the Pooh’s entry into the public domain two years ago, the original Winnie the Pooh character featured in A.A. Milne’s stories, Tigger, the bouncing tiger, will also become part of the public domain as the book “The House at Pooh Corner” turns 96.

The expiration of Steamboat Willie’s copyright comes at a challenging time for Disney, facing issues such as a cultural clash over LGBTQ+ rights, financial challenges with Disney+, and several movie disappointments. However, Disney remains optimistic about its extensive content pipeline, including franchises like Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, ABC, ESPN, and Hulu.

Despite challenges, Disney anticipates growth in fiscal 2024, with the Consensus Estimate projecting 157.13 million paid subscribers on Disney+, indicating a year-over-year increase of 4.61%. Earnings are estimated at $4.38 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 16.49%.

In 2024, Disney aims to recover with anticipated theatrical releases, including “The First Omen,” “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” an untitled Deadpool movie, “The Amateur,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King,” among others. Additionally, content releases for the Indian audience, such as “Periloor Premier League,” “The Legend Of Hanuman Season 3,” and “Karmaa Calling,” are expected to contribute to subscriber growth.

To enhance its theatrical output, Disney plans to release three Pixar films, originally exclusive to streaming, in theaters for the first time. These films, including “Soul,” “Turning Red,” and “Luca,” are expected to attract audiences, aligning with the enduring popularity of family-friendly films.

However, Disney faces tough competition from other entertainment giants like Sony, Paramount Global, and Lions Gate Entertainment, who are set to release blockbuster movies in 2024, impacting Disney’s box office performance throughout the year.

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