Disney Officially Loses Rights To Mickey Mouse, Multiple Characters Next

Is Disney losing the rights to Mickey Mouse? That seems strange. Well, sadly, it is true Mickey Mouse will be returning to the public domain.

2024 will mark a significant milestone in the world of copyright and intellectual property as Mickey Mouse, the beloved and iconic character created by Walt Disney, is entering the public domain in the United States. This means that anyone, including individuals, artists, and creators, could now use the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse as a character in their works as long as he resembled the 1928 incarnation.

This may leave fans wondering if Disney is losing the rights to beloved Mickey: Who will be the next character to go? The most popular FAB 5 character that will be returning to the domain soon is Pluto, first seen in 1930 and projected to enter the public domain in 2025. Mickey’s girlfriend Minnie Mouse came alive in 1928 and is projected to enter the public domain in 2024, as well, alongside Mickey. Well, at least this early version of Minnie Mouse.

Last but not least, Donald Duck became a lovable, funny character in 1934, which means Disney will be letting him go in 2029.

Globaltoynews shared a list of the next characters who will be entering to the public domain. The amount of characters that will soon be heading into the public domain is astounding, and includes Superman, Daffy Duck, Batman, The Flash, Captain America, James Bond, Aquaman, and several other characters that will be heading towards the public domain by 2036.

While these characters may go into the public domain, they may be trademarked and protected. Such as Disney may still hold trademarks on the name Mickey Mouse and his distinctive image, which includes his red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves. This means that while you can use the character, you may need to be cautious about how you use his name and likeness to avoid infringing on Disney’s trademarks.

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Since Mickey Mouse going into the public domain means creators can only recreate his image from 1928 this means Mickey will most likely look like the 1928 version of Steamboat Willie, which was the first image of Mickey Mouse.

Mickey Mouse was created in 1928 and saw multiple copyright extensions, leading to his entry into the public domain in 2024. However, the rules are different for characters created later, such as Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and other Disney characters.

Disney Lands Huge Blow as Billionaire Investor Attempts Hostile Takeover

Nearly one year ago, billionaire Nelson Peltz announced that he would be trying to gain a seat on Disney’s Board of Directors. He said that he didn’t think Disney was going in the right direction and wasn’t making its shareholders enough money. He gave up his fight when Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that he would be eliminating thousands of jobs and cutting $5.5 billion from Disney’s budget.

However, Peltz recently picked up the fight again, but this time, he announced that he wasn’t just targeting one seat on Disney’s board, he was going after several. Peltz said that he had given Iger a chance to “right the ship,” but the embattled CEO had not done so.

But Iger and Disney weren’t going to back down without a fight. The company released a statement, claiming that Peltz only wanted seats on the board because of his close relationship with fired Marvel executive, Ike Perlmutter. They said that Perlmutter had a vendetta against the company and was using Peltz to make that happen.

And now, Disney just got some big backup in its fight against Peltz and Perlmutter. According to Disney, the company has entered into an agreement with investment group ValueAct. Per The Hollywood Reporter:

Disney and ValueAct have entered into a “confidentiality agreement that enables the company to provide information to the investment firm and consult with ValueAct on strategic matters, including through meetings with the Disney board and management,” the company said on Wednesday.

As part of the arrangement, ValueAct also confirmed that it would support the Disney slate of nominees for the company’s board of directors at Disney’s upcoming annual shareholder meeting. The news comes amid Disney’s proxy battle with Nelson Peltz and his firm Trian Partners, an effort backed by ousted Marvel mogul Ike Perlmutter.

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Peltz is hoping to get enough shareholders to vote for him and his loyalists so they can have at least two, if not three, seats on Disney’s Board of Directors. Should they be successful, this could mean that massive changes might take place within the company. Ike Perlmutter is an outspoken conservative and a large supporter of Donald Trump.

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Disney has been making more content that reflects the world we currently live in — meaning more diverse characters and family units. The company has frequently been accused of being “woke”, which Peltz and Perlmutter might put an end to if they gain those coveted seats.

Nominations for new board members will take place until January 4, 2024.

Disney CEO Bob Iger Announces His Resignation

In an unexpected but perhaps understandable turn of events, Disney CEO Bob Iger has announced his resignation from The Walt Disney Company, though his departure will not be effective immediately.

Bob Iger became CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2005 and continued in that role until February 2020, when he abruptly stepped down, effective immediately, just before the dawn of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. Then-Disney Parks President Bob Chapek was appointed to step in as Iger’s replacement, becoming Disney’s CEO on the same day.

In December 2021, Iger finally stepped down from his position on Disney’s board, and retirement loomed on the horizon. During that time, Iger, ever the savvy businessman, considered various ventures with partners before following through and partnering in several of them.

In December 2021, just weeks before he stepped away from his position on Disney’s board following his resignation as CEO, Iger was in talks to consider becoming part-owner of the Phoenix Suns. Then, in May 2022, the former CEO began talks to partner with eBay in the nearly $300 million purchase of the Funko toy company.

But after a tumultuous tenure, Disney’s board removed Bob Chapek from his post, reinstalling veteran CEO Bob Iger at the helm, effective November 20, 2022.

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Only days later, Iger found himself tasked with cleaning house at Disney, firing those closest to Chapek, including his former chief of staff, Arthur Bochner, assistant Jackie Hart, and his right-hand man, Kareem Daniel.

During his first term as Disney’s CEO, Iger proved he had a knack for overseeing major acquisitions. He is credited with the successful completion of the following acquisitions by The Walt Disney Company:

  • Miramax – 1993; $60 million
  • Capital Cities/ABC/ESPN – 1995; $19 billion
  • Starwave – 1998; undisclosed amount
  • Infoseek – 1999; undisclosed amount
  • Fox Family Worldwide (Freeform) – 2001; $2.9 billion
  • Baby Einstein – 2001; undisclosed amount
  • The Muppets – 2004; $75 million
  • CrossGen – 2004; $1 million
  • Avalanche Software – 2005; undisclosed amount
  • Pixar – 2006; $7.4 billion
  • Oswald the Lucky Rabbit – 2006; traded for the rights to sports broadcaster Al Michaels
  • Junction Point Studios – 2007; undisclosed amount
  • Marvel – 2009; $4 billion
  • Hulu – 2009; 30% purchase (increased to full ownership in 2019)
  • Wideload Games – 2010; undisclosed amount
  • Tapulous – 2010; undisclosed amount
  • Playdom – 2010; $563 million
  • UTV Software Communications – 2011; $297 million
  • Lucasfilm (Star Wars) – 2012; $4.06 billion
  • Maker Studios – 2014; $500 million
  • Sphero – 2014; unknown minority investment
  • BAM – 2016 & 2017; $2.58 billion total
  • 21st Century Fox – 2019; $71.3 billion

On Wednesday, Disney’s boomerang CEO announced his resignation from the company, though his departure from the Mouse House won’t be immediate. In an interview in September, Iger said that his departure wasn’t too far off, though at the time, he did not give details about the date on which he would step away.

On Wednesday, during an interview at the New York Times Dealbook Conference, Disney’s CEO said that he will “definitely” step down from his role when his current contract expires in 2026. He also talked specifically about the ABC television network, owned by The Walt Disney Company, saying that despite talk of the potential for a sale, ABC is not for sale.

As part of the interview, Bob Iger further said he was “bullish” about the potential for Disney’s Shanghai park, Shanghai Disneyland, as he explained that he expects The Walt Disney Company to expand the park “relatively soon.”

As for his resignation from his role at The Walt Disney Company, Iger’s employer for a combined total of nearly 50 years, Iger says that he will remain at his post, continuing in his current responsibilities as the company’s chief executive officer until the expiration date of his current contract with Disney.

In November 2022, when he was called back to the role of CEO following Disney’s removal of then-CEO Bob Chapek, Iger signed a two-year contract, set to expire in December 2024. But shortly after Disney’s CFO Christine McCarthy announced her departure in June 2023, Disney renewed Iger’s contract, extending his agreement through the end of 2026.

On Wednesday, Iger said he would step down when that contract expires, which is reportedly on December 31, 2026.

Massive Change in Leadership Announced for the Walt Disney Company

A massive change in leadership has just taken place at the Walt Disney Company.

Disney, the beloved entertainment company known for its magical stories, has recently appointed Tinisha Agramonte as its Chief Diversity Officer. This is a significant step towards fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within the organization. With her extensive expertise and experience in the diversity and inclusion space, Agramonte is well-equipped to lead Disney’s efforts in creating a welcoming environment for employees from all backgrounds.

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As the Chief Diversity Officer, Agramonte will play a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the company. This appointment showcases Disney’s commitment to cultivating a diverse workforce and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all its employees.

Agramonte’s appointment comes at a time when organizations across various industries are recognizing the importance of DEI in creating successful and sustainable environments. By leveraging her vast knowledge and understanding of diversity issues, she will work towards strengthening Disney’s position as a leader in fostering inclusivity and representing a wide range of voices and experiences.

Having served in DEI positions in the past, Agramonte brings a wealth of experience in driving DEI initiatives. Her deep understanding of the importance of DEI in creating impactful storytelling will undoubtedly contribute to the expansion of Disney’s creative and cultural reach. Through her leadership, Agramonte will ensure that Disney’s content continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing the collective strengths of diverse talent.

Just last year, Agranonte joined the Walt Disney Company as vice president of DEI talent outreach & development for the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products division. Her success in this role made her a perfect fit for this promotion.

She will replace Latondra Newton, who left the position in June.

Furthermore, Agramonte’s appointment aligns with Disney’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. By championing diversity and inclusion, Disney aims to not only reflect the diverse experiences of its audience but also set an example for other organizations in the entertainment industry.

In her role as Chief Diversity Officer, Agramonte will collaborate with various departments across Disney, including the senior leadership team, human resources, and talent outreach. Together, they will work towards fostering environments that prioritize diversity and inclusion, which will ultimately contribute to the continued success of the company.

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This appointment highlights the importance of diversity in senior leadership positions. By appointing Agramonte as the Chief Diversity Officer, Disney demonstrates its dedication to creating a more inclusive workplace from top to bottom. Agramonte’s expertise and commitment to equity will undoubtedly drive positive change within the organization, making Disney an even more welcoming and diverse company.

Disney Research Team Unveils Child-Size Bipedal Walking Robot

The Disney Research team unveiled a new child-size walking robot during their Wednesday presentation at the 2023 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in Detroit. The robot is related to the patent Disney just filed for a bipedal robot with different walking styles.

Evan Ackerman of IEEE Spectrum reported on the presentation, stating, “Disney Research has spent the last year developing a new system that leverages reinforcement learning to turn an animator’s vision into expressive motions that are robust enough to work almost anywhere, whether that’s a stage at IROS or a Disney theme park or a forest in Switzerland.”

The robot was developed by a team led by Mortiz Bächer at Disney Research in Zurich. The figure is mostly 3D printed, using modular hardware and actuators that made the creation process quick. The team was able to go from concept to this walking robot in less than a year.

Its head is able to look up, down, around, and tilt. Its legs have five degrees of movement, with hip joints that keep it balanced while walking.

Disney Research scientist Morgan Hope said, “Most roboticists are focused on getting their bipedal robots to reliably walk. At Disney, that might not be enough—our robots may have to strut, prance, sneak, trot, or meander to convey the emotion that we need them to.”

“What we try to bring to these kinds of robots is born from our history of character animation,” Michael Hopkins, a principal R&D engineer, said. “We have an animator embedded in our team, and together, we’re able to leverage their knowledge and our technical expertise to create the best performance we can.”

The researchers talked about the difficulties in bringing a potential animated character into the real world.

“In general, animation tools don’t have physics built into them,” said Bächer. “So that makes it hard for artists to design animations that will work in the real world.”

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“It’s not just about walking,” said Pope. “Walking is one of the inputs to the reinforcement-learning system, but the other important input is how it walks.”

Ackerman writes, “Disney Research has developed a reinforcement learning-based pipeline that relies on simulation to combine and balance the vision of an animator with robust robotic motions.”

So an animator can create a highly expressive character, which the system then translates to real-life with the robot. Bächer states they have cut the time for Disney to develop new robots from years to months.

The system also ensures the robot will be able to handle anything it encounters in the real world, outside of test environments, while still emoting.

“This is a challenge for traditional techniques,” Ruben Grandia, an associate research scientist at Disney Research, said. “Normally, you have to hand-program this transition point. But if you put everything together in one simulation and perturb it while it tries to move and animate, it can determine that point for itself, which has resulted in recovery strategies that we see from this robot that we’d have no idea how to program.”

Disney has poured a lot of effort into developing robots and other systems that would allow a variety of characters to interact with guests at theme parks. At SXSW in March 2023, they demonstrated a small roller-skating robot resembling Judy Hopps. A true-to-life Hulk meet and greet was available for a limited time at Disney California Adventure last year, thanks to Project Exo. Disney has also tested life size Tinker Bell technology.

The key, Disney’s researchers explain, is to have the robot function as well as convey emotion.

“In situations where humans and robots are close to each other, conveying emotion and intent can be an important feature,” said Georg Wiedebach, senior R&D Imagineer. “So I think this can also be valuable in other applications where robots are working next to people.”

The team pointed out that while this specific robot is great, it’s really the development process that has been their big breakthrough.

“The idea is that this is a platform that’s hardware agnostic,” said Bächer. “So if we wanted to add more legs, or add arms, or make an entirely new character with a completely different morphology, we can rapidly teach it new behaviors. The off-the-shelf actuators, the 3D-printed components, our adaptable reinforcement-learning framework—these can all be applied to robots that are widely different in how they look and move. This robot is a promising first step on that journey.”

Disney scientist Espen Knoop said they will be pushing the limits of what’s possible with these robotic characters. “We want to see what happens when we get to those limits and learn what we can do at those limits.”