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The Next Characters to Enter the Public Domain
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Copyright is a type of intellectual property right that protects authors’ original works, meaning that their art cannot be used without approval. However, copyright protections do not last forever—eventually, all original work will enter the public domain.
In this graphic, we visualize the popular characters that are set to enter the public domain in the next 15 years, using data compiled from several sources.
How Does a Character Enter the Public Domain?
The amount of time a given work is protected by copyright varies, but this window typically lasts 70 years after the author’s death or 95 years after publication. Once the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain, signaling time for anyone to enjoy and interact with them without legal repercussions.
Which Characters Will Have Their Copyrights Expire Next?
The Brothers Grimm version of Snow White has already had its copyright expire. However, Disney’s iconic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs version will only enter public domain in 2032.
On January 1st, 2024, the Steamboat Willie versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse entered public domain (and already, content creators are seizing the opportunity). The modern version of Mickey Mouse will follow suit in roughly 15 years.
Below is a list of popular characters that will be entering the public domain in coming years.
| Character | Year expected to enter the public domain |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Beauty | already public domain |
| Snow White | already public domain |
| Pinocchio | already public domain |
| Peter Pan | already public domain |
| Tinkerbell | already public domain |
| Captain Hook | already public domain |
| Winnie-the-Pooh | already public domain |
| Mickey Mouse (Steamboat Willie version) | already public domain |
| Minnie Mouse (Steamboat Willie version) | already public domain |
| Popeye | 2025 |
| Pluto | 2026 |
| Betty Boop | 2026 |
| Goofy | 2028 |
| Donald Duck | 2029 |
| King Kong | 2029 |
| Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (Disney version) | 2032 |
| Superman | 2034 |
| Bugs Bunny | 2035 |
| Batman | 2035 |
| Joker | 2036 |
| Captain America | 2036 |
| Wonder Woman | 2037 |
| Mickey Mouse (Disney version) | 2037 |
| Bambie | 2038 |
Several of Mickey’s companions—including Pluto (2026), Goofy (2028), and Donald Duck (2029)—will be entering public domain in the next five years along with Betty Boop (2026), King Kong (2029), and Bugs Bunny (2035).
The copyright on many of DC Comics’ stars—like Superman, Batman, the Joker, and Wonder Woman—will expire in the 2030s.
If you found this interesting, check out this visualization on the world’s top media franchises of all-time by revenue.
The post Infographic: The Next Characters to Enter the Public Domain appeared first on Visual Capitalist.