Dozens of books, films and songs became public domain last Sunday, the first day of the new civil year.
This, after almost a hundred years in which the rights to use them were reserved by their creators.
The meaning: multi-purpose use can be made of what we have known so far as brands or important cultural icons that changed history.
So, for example, classic films like "Metropolis" by director Fritz Lang or the latest volumes in the series of "Sherlock Holmes" books by writer Arthur Conan Doyle, are allowed in the public domain.
At this time exactly one year from now, one of the most coveted cultural properties is going to become the public domain as well, when "Steamboat Willie" becomes public domain.
Willy, as we know, is the initial version of Mickey Mouse, the most famous and popular mouse in the world, which has been under the complete and exclusive control of the Walt Disney Company since his birth.
The last volumes are allowed in the public domain.
Sherlock Holmes in the movie from 1990, photo: E.P
He is also in the picture.
The canonical film "Metropolis", photography: Fritz Lang, Horst Van Harbaugh
Strong lobby and political connections
Mickey Mouse is a brand whose "release" from the hands of its original rights holders carries many consequences for the American economy.
In fact, the beloved rodent is directly linked to the process of defining copyright terms in the United States.
This is because when the Disney company saw that its copyright on Mickey was about to expire, it persuaded the US Congress towards the end of the 21st century to extend its control over him.
This story is a parable about the power of corporations in the land of unlimited possibilities, well, to limit their competitors through strong lobbying and political connections.
Therefore, the innocent and sociable figure of children which is known in every home actually carries a significant economic and cultural symbolic weight.
Convinced the US Congress to extend brand control.
Company founder Walt Disney, photo: GettyImages
Many consequences for the American economy.
A tribute exhibition to Mickey Mouse in New York (archive), photo: courtesy of Disney Israel
While Mickey Mouse will probably be considered the character most associated with the "Disney" brand by most adults, some argue that his power and importance among the sons and daughters of the younger generation has decreased significantly in recent decades.
The last movie in which the mouse starred "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas" was released in 2004 - that is, almost two decades ago.
The most iconic of them all is on the way
Although he still jumps on the screen in a variety of children's programs even today and takes an important part in the attractions of the company's theme parks, the question arises as to how many children today would rank him among their five favorite cartoon characters.
Intellectual property of the type of Luke Skywalker and his friends in the "Star Wars" film series, for example, when it becomes free for the use of anyone who wants it, will represent a greater challenge for the company.
Much more, the caterers say, than Mickey Mouse.
His rights are "released" soon.
Iron Man Superman, photo: AP
Losing relevance?
The image of Mickey Mouse in a shopping center in China, photo: IPA
Other characters whose rights are reserved by their creators and which will be "released" (relatively) soon are those of Superman, created in 1938.
The DC company undoubtedly plans to use the character of the most iconic superhero of all in the coming years, and therefore many wonder how the veteran comic corporation will deal with other companies that want to use the character of Iron Man.
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