The Copyrights for More Disney Classics have Expired

It’s a new year, and that means there is a new list of works that have entered the Public Domain. Even more Disney classics, including Mickey Mouse’s very first words, are now free to reuse and repurpose without permission.

More Disney Enters the Public Domain

You might remember that 2024 was a huge year for Copyright Law. Steamboat Willie became the first Mickey Mouse short to enter the Public Domain, meaning that the very earliest version of Mickey Mouse is now free to use and repurpose without permission.

More and more of Disney’s intellectual property will be free for public use as the years pass. This is a lot of whimsical fun for many people who have been creating clothing, artwork, toys, etc. without worrying about infringement. However, it also opens Mickey and Friends to be utilized in less friendly ways. For example, a slasher film featuring Mickey Mouse has already been created.

Now even more Classic Disney shorts and their associated characters will be available in the Public Domain and people can use them however they wish. Here is a rundown of everything Disney that crossed over in 2025.

Mickey Shorts

Lots of classic Mickey Mouse shorts are on the list. These include: The Barn Dance, The Barnyard Battle, Jungle Rhythm, Mickey’s Choo-Choo, Mickey’s Follies, The Jazz Fool, The Karnival Kid, The Opry House, The Plowboy, When the Cat’s Away, and Wild Waves.

The Karnival Kid is particularly noteworthy. It is the short in which we hear Mickey Mouse speak for the first time.

This also means that early versions of characters who appear in those cartoons are also now in the Public Domain. This includes Horace Horsecollar.

Skeleton Dance

But, that’s not all. A beloved classic The Skeleton Dance has also joined Steamboat Willie. This iconic short was the very first Silly Symphony and has remained a quintessential Halloween tradition for many.

Skeleton Dance is also now in the Public Domain.

Next year, Pluto will join the list! Let’s hope he doesn’t also join the list of slasher film stars.

Are you excited to see more Disney shorts enter the Public Domain? Let us know. And be sure to share the news with the Disney fans in your life.