141–150 of 201 posts
Not quite in the same vein, but the patent for T-splines expires in 2024. Big news for 3D modeling systems.
So the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, who died in 1973, will enter the public domain in New Zealand (and other countries) next year? Or do they not, as he presumably published his works in the UK? Or they enter the public domain in New Zealand et al. but not in other countries?
What would be the New Zealand connection of Tolkien (other than the peter jackson movies)?
The mouse via Steamboat Willie is scheduled to enter public domain? Guess we can look forward to quite eventful three weeks before the end of the year, while Disney is frantically trying to prevent that outcome.
They probably realized by now there is not much value left in that old version of Mickey. It's the newer self of Mickey (different looks and character) that brings in the money, but even that is becoming less relevant these days, I think? That's why they have bought so much IP which appeals to more people than Mickey Mouse.
Disney Animation has been using a clip from Steamboat Willy (and the song) as their opening bumper for years. It was originally done when John Lassiter took over Disney Animation as an homage to his idol Walt. But some IP lawyers have said that it may also make it impossible to use Steamboat Willy in the public domain because they could claim you're violating their copyright on their bumper. Will be interesting to se…
If something is in the public domain, is it still accessible for copying or can companies still profit off of selling public domain material? For example, if I “pirate” a public domain text published by some company, am I in the wrong?
A publisher would only have a copyrightable claim in their original creative works. So the cover art, the foreword, etc. This would also include e-books, as the specific code for that would be copyrightable illegal to download. Only the words themselves would be free, so you would need someone to create a gratis file therefrom for you.
Actually pretty exciting for books. Agatha Christie, W.E.B. DuBois, Evelyn Waugh, Nabokov, D.H. Lawrence, H.G. Wells, Virginia Woolf, and A.A. Milne all have books entering in 2024. And a Brecht play (The Threepenny Opera - one of his best, at that), and a Eugene O'Neill (Strange Interlude)!
Not trying to contest, just asking... Brecht died in 1956, so +70 years (as per German law) would be end of 2026, right?
Disney Animation has been using a clip from Steamboat Willy (and the song) as their opening bumper for years. It was originally done when John Lassiter took over Disney Animation as an homage to his idol Walt. But some IP lawyers have said that it may also make it impossible to use Steamboat Willy in the public domain because they could claim you're violating their copyright on their bumper. Will be interesting to se…
The mouse via Steamboat Willie is scheduled to enter public domain? Guess we can look forward to quite eventful three weeks before the end of the year, while Disney is frantically trying to prevent that outcome.
Disney spent the last decade or so growing their business (through large acquisitions) to where Mickey is now just small fraction of their worth. So they likely don't really care anymore. Plus it's only the old, old design of Mickey, not the current version they have been using for awhile that looks more normal to most people these days.
"The Passion of Joan of Arc directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer" As old, silent films go, this is quite good. In the past, this might mean a cheap DVD release. Not sure the signficance of public domain for movies these days.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Disney spent the last decade or so growing their business (through large acquisitions) to where Mickey is now just small fraction of their worth. So they likely don't really care anymore. Plus it's only the old, old design of Mickey, not the current version they have been using for awhile that looks more normal to most people these days.
While Mickey may represent a small portion of revenue, it (he?) accounts for a large portion of the Disney brand. It's one of the most recognizable cartoons of all time
He represents so much more than a character, I think in a time when they're expanding portfolios they NEED to keep Mickey to stay Disney if they want to - and imo they should want to.