Disney Will Lose the Rights to Mickey Mouse in 2024

[neatoman]

The big difference between the old Superman cartoons and this case with Mickey Mouse is that the Superman cartoons are not considered the original work. Because the original work, Action Comics #1, is still protected under copyright, you can't use it's original characters freely. Once Action Comics #1 does enter the public domain, you will be able to use Superman. Trademark laws protect trademarks but the content, this means that while DC may retain the exclusive rights to publish a comic book titled "Superman", the character himself is not protected by trademark laws.