But this may be one of the last birthdays Mickey celebrates as the intellectual property of Disney.

Copyrights for the popular character are set to expire on January 1st, 2024.

Mickey might have become public property sooner,

except that each time the copyright on "Steamboat Willie" was set to lapse, Disney and others pushed Congress to lengthen US copyright terms.

By 1998, works of corporate authorship were exclusive company property for 95 years from publication.

But this time around, there doesn't seem to be any serious effort to extend Disney's copyright for several reasons.

First, each version of Mickey Mouse has a separate copyright, so only the "Steamboat Willie" version will enter the public domain in 2024.

Second, Disney has clearly diversified its stable of copyrighted characters.

Third, copyright activists have out-organized Hollywood.

And fourth, it's unlikely the public would accept a copyright extension beyond 95 years.

So, enjoy your day, Mickey, because soon, you will belong to your adoring public.

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