Hi everyone!

Keeping in mind this week's theme of intellectual property, I'd like to share a link to an article that discusses how Disney has prevented Mickey Mouse from becoming public domain since the 1980s. It's a fascinating read, and it covers important points and counterpoints regarding the purpose of copyright law, what stakeholders in popular properties (like Mickey) stand to lose when IP enters the public domain and what the public may lose through indefinite extensions proposed by lawmakers who are, in turn, funded by powerful corporations.

What do you think? Are corporations correct in their assertion that the loss of prominent IP would drastically harm their businesses, potentially causing harm to the broader economy? Or is the public losing out on creativity by stifling creativity and minimizing competition? Incidentally, I felt the author made an important observation by noting that more books from the 1800s are available on Amazon.com than the 20th century - suggesting that long-standing copyright protections actually serve to make IP disappear rather than flourish. Interesting stuff!

How Mickey Mouse Evades the Public Domain

Comments

  1. LissaJune 10, 2021 at 10:46 AM

    Hi Lauren! That is very interesting to learn about. I believe the reason Disney has been able to keep Mickey Mouse from becoming public domain, like the article mentions, is because they have a 'crushing legal force' that no one reckons with and 'cozying up to legislators.' Personally, I think by owning the copyright of Mickey Mouse, they are able to maintain its reputation, what other company will have the legal forces Disney has to maintain the image and legacy of Mickey? I don't think it stifles creativity, because it is still so prominent because Disney has far reaches and even with Mickey Mouse being unavailable to the public domain, knock off clothing, merchandise and costumes (like the street performers in New York who pose for pictures) still occur. You do bring up an interesting wonder about how Mickey Mouse might flourish if they removed copyright protections.

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  2. Nicole RJune 16, 2021 at 8:32 AM

    I live in Orlando and we frequently comment, "The Mouse knows. The Mouse hears. The Mouse sees. The Mouse owns everything" LOL it's a little funny but not too far from the truth. Lots of 1984 Big Brother themes coming through.

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