The First-Ever Mickey Mouse Cartoon Enters Public Domain
The first-ever cartoon of Mickey Mouse, “Steamboat Willie,” has entered the public domain on January 1. This means that artists can now use the early version of Mickey Mouse to create new works without permission. In response to this milestone, crypto enthusiasts have minted a meme coin called MICKEY. The MICKEY token is inspired by the original Mickey Mouse character from the 1928 cartoon and runs on the Ethereum blockchain.
About Meme Coins
Meme coins are digital coins or tokens that are based on internet jokes, memes, or culturally significant figures. They tend to be highly volatile and can experience rapid fluctuations in value.
Copyright Laws and Disney’s Response
Under U.S. copyright laws, characters are typically protected for 95 years. Despite the 1928 version of Mickey Mouse entering the public domain, Disney has stated that it will continue to protect its rights in more modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other copyrighted works.
Hot Take: The Rise of Meme Coins in Crypto Culture
The entrance of Steamboat Willie into the public domain has sparked the creation of a meme coin called MICKEY. This reflects the growing trend of meme coins in the crypto community, where digital assets are inspired by internet jokes and cultural icons. While these coins can be highly volatile, they provide a unique way for individuals to engage with popular culture and express their creativity within the crypto space.