It is ridiculous. The intent of copyright, trademarks, and patents was to allow the creator to receive a profit for a period of time. The reason they expired after something like 20 years was to encourage the creator to keep creating rather than just have one big hit and rake in cash forever.
The original version of Mickey Mouse becomes public domain next year, but not to worry:
Even though the copyright will expire, Mickey Mouse is trademarked, which adds complications. The New York Times reported that trademarks do not expire over time like copyrights do. Essentially, this means that any use of the 1928 Mickey Mouse cannot include any elements that come later and cannot be confused as a Disney product.
It's also long enough for something to become a cultural object. A story read to you as a child that you might now be reading to your own, if you hadn't already.
It is ridiculous. The intent of copyright, trademarks, and patents was to allow the creator to receive a profit for a period of time. The reason they expired after something like 20 years was to encourage the creator to keep creating rather than just have one big hit and rake in cash forever.
The original version of Mickey Mouse becomes public domain next year, but not to worry:
It's also long enough for something to become a cultural object. A story read to you as a child that you might now be reading to your own, if you hadn't already.