Since then, the Disney corporation has been working hard to ensure that Mickey’s likeness is a trademark in actual widespread use across many varied product categories. Even if another copyright extension isn’t granted, they’ll still be in a good position to go on the attack against other companies that try to use Mickey for commercial gain.

If that happens, it’ll be interesting to watch; where will the courts draw the line between legitimately using the public-domain films and confusing consumers by using Disney’s trademark which is embedded in that film?