2024 was a historic year for copyright law. The earliest version of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain. This means creators can now use the original “Steamboat Willie” Mickey without needing Disney’s permission. However, copyright and trademark are not the same.
Disney still holds trademark rights to the Mickey Mouse brand. These rights protect how the character is used in commerce. That’s why Disney is now suing Red Earth Group, a Hong Kong-based jewelry company. The lawsuit reminds us why trademarks still matter even after copyright expires.
Disney’s Lawsuit Against Satéur Explained Clearly
Red Earth sells jewelry under the brand name Satéur. One of their latest launches is the “Mickey 1928 Collection.” It includes rings, necklaces, and earrings. But there’s one big issue, Disney never approved it.
According to Disney, this collection “suggests, at a minimum, a partnership or collaboration with Disney.” The lawsuit says Satéur is confusing customers into believing these are official Disney products.
Disney argues that Red Earth is trying to benefit from Mickey Mouse’s popularity. The suit says Satéur is “intentionally trying to confuse consumers.” Disney believes this is not just a coincidence, it’s a deliberate marketing strategy.
Public Domain Doesn’t Mean Free Branding Rights
Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in Steamboat Willie in 1928. That particular version, often called the “rat-like” Mickey, entered the public domain in 2024. So yes, anyone can use that version in their creative work now.
But there’s a catch.
Trademark law still protects Disney’s brand. You can’t sell products that make people think they’re from Disney when they’re not. That’s where Satéur allegedly crossed the line. This is why the difference between copyright and trademark is important.
Trademark Infringement: Why It Still Matters Today
Trademark infringement happens when a company uses a brand or logo to mislead buyers. Disney says Red Earth is using Mickey Mouse in a way that makes it seem like official merchandise. That confuses customers and damages Disney’s brand reputation.
Disney isn’t just protecting one cartoon. It’s protecting years of trust and brand identity. That’s the power of trademark law. Even when a character’s copyright runs out, companies can still use the trademark to stop misleading commercial use.
What the Lawsuit Means for Other Creators
The Mickey Mouse public domain news made headlines around the world. But it also caused confusion. People thought they could freely use the character in any way. That’s not true if you’re using Mickey for commercial purposes tied to Disney’s brand image.
Satéur allegedly crossed that line. They launched a jewelry line that strongly resembles Disney’s aesthetic. The collection’s name, “Mickey 1928” adds to the confusion. That’s why Disney is suing them. The lawsuit seeks an injunction and financial damages.
Copyright Ends, But Trademarks Can Continue
Jennifer Jenkins, law professor at Duke, explained the difference perfectly:
“This is it. This is Mickey Mouse. This is exciting because it’s kind of symbolic.”
She also mentioned how copyright extension laws were often labeled as the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act.”
But now, the copyright has expired. Still, Disney’s trademark continues. You can make art, videos, or write stories using Steamboat Willie-style Mickey. But you can’t sell Mickey rings that look like Disney made them.
Famous Characters Also Entered the Public Domain
Mickey Mouse wasn’t alone. In 2025, both Tintin and Popeye entered the public domain. That means you can now create content around these icons without permission.
Several classic books also became free to use. These include:
- A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
- The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
- A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
Even Blackmail by Alfred Hitchcock is now in the public domain. Still, creators must be cautious. These characters and stories may be free, but brand confusion can lead to legal trouble.
Cheap Horror Films Triggered Public Confusion
As soon as Mickey entered the public domain, horror movies followed. One was Mickey Mouse’s Trap. Another was Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, made after Pooh entered the public domain. Both were low-budget slashers. These movies sparked debate. Just because you can use public domain characters, should you? More importantly, you can’t use them in a way that tricks audiences into thinking Disney or Disney-like companies are behind them.
Know the Legal Boundaries Clearly and Fight For Your Brand
This lawsuit against Red Earth is more than a simple brand fight. It highlights the legal line between copyright and trademark. Creators now have more freedom. But they must use it responsibly. At Trademarkia, we aid in protecting your brand. Our legal experts can guide you through the process of protecting your rights effectively in any legal dispute. You can honor the past, but don’t mislead the public.
