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Why the earliest version of Mickey Mouse is entering the public domain

Jan 2, 2024
You can now use elements from Disney's 1928 short films “Steamboat Willie” and “Plane Crazy” in your own work.
Mickey Mouse debuted as Steamboat Willie in 1928.
Wikimedia Commons

Court battle over Ed Sheeran and Marvin Gaye songs could result in "less wonderful music" being made

It's yet the latest case of where to draw the line between the building blocks of music and intellectual property.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

What Google's copyright win means for other industries

Apr 6, 2021
The Supreme Court's ruling that Google's use of Java was "transformative use" has some in the entertainment world worried.
The Supreme Court's fair-use ruling in the case of Google v. Oracle sets a precedent that could have ripple effects on moviemaking.
David McNew/Getty Images

Why you rarely hear the “I Have a Dream” speech in full

Jan 15, 2018
It’s common for commemorations of Martin Luther King Jr. Day to include excerpts from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. But there’s good reason not to play it in full: The work in its entirety is copyrighted. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

Happy days for 'Happy Birthday' singers

Sep 23, 2015
Judge rules Warner/Chappell, which licensed the song, doesn't have a copyright.

Joke stealing is no laughing matter

Aug 24, 2015
Some are making money tweeting others' material. That breaks a comedian code.

The "Blurred Lines" case could have a chilling effect

Mar 11, 2015
Issues of inspiration and copyright get even more complicated over decades.

For public good, not for profit.

Artistic inspiration or piracy?

Sep 29, 2014
Does copyright law favor the famous?

Aereo loses at the Supreme Court: what's next?

Jun 26, 2014
Where do things stand in the wake of the court's 6-3 verdict?

Do we really need more Beatles releases?

Dec 17, 2013
No, but Apple Records does, to protect the group's copyrights.