Newsletter
EXPIRED COPYRIGHTS OF DISNEY CARTOON CHARACTERS
The Taipei District Prosecutor's office recently considered a case brought by the Disney Corporation against the responsible person of a certain clothing store. Disney alleged that he had infringed on copyright by unauthorizedly displaying and selling children's clothing emblazoned with pictures of cartoon characters such as the 101 Dalmatians, Mickey Mouse, and Winnie the Pooh during the year 1998. The Prosecutor's office held that the images of the 101 Dalmatians, Mickey Mouse, and Winnie the Pooh were created or published in 1961, 1928, and 1926, respectively. Their protection under the Copyright Law extended to 1991, 1958, and 1986, and has already expired, making them publicly owned works. The office thus made a decision of non-prosecution.