It sounds like Disney lawyers are gearing up to issue thousands of trademark infringement suits. They have lost copyright on "Steamboat Willie" but they haven't lost trademark of Mickey Mouse, which lasts forever.
I don't know where the limits of Steamboat Willie end, but I bet an awful lot of people are going to read headlines like "Disney about to lose Mickey Mouse copyright" and find themselves in very hot water very quickly.
I don't even really know why Disney bothered to go to such lengths for a short film that makes them no money. But I suspect it saves the legal department money compared to giving a lot of very expensive lessons on the difference between copyright and trademark.
I don't know where the limits of Steamboat Willie end, but I bet an awful lot of people are going to read headlines like "Disney about to lose Mickey Mouse copyright" and find themselves in very hot water very quickly.
I don't even really know why Disney bothered to go to such lengths for a short film that makes them no money. But I suspect it saves the legal department money compared to giving a lot of very expensive lessons on the difference between copyright and trademark.