They have worked as across three continents in print ... Mouse on November 23, 2023, in New York City. Mickey as Steamboat Willie has entered the public domain. James Devaney/Getty Images North ...

A still from Disney's "Steamboat Willie" that was the debut of Mickey Mouse is seen in a book on Jan. 3 in Glendale, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Mickey Mouse couldn’t believe it.

The copyright on Mickey Mouse expires today, meaning The Walt Disney Company no longer has the exclusive rights to the character. Does this mean you can put Mickey in your own cartoon? Not exactly.

A Walt Disney movie featuring the first appearance of Mickey Mouse moved into the public domain on New Year’s Day. The 1928 short film "Steamboat Willie" introduces audiences to a non-speaking ...