Disney capitalized on narratives that had become public domain to create their ‘classics’, yet subsequently used those profits to influenced changes to those very laws for everyone else.
Disney has played a significant role in shaping U.S. copyright laws over the years, leveraging its influence to extend copyright terms and protect its intellectual properties. Notably, the company has been a driving force behind legislative changes, such as the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998, often referred to as the “Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act” or colloquially as the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act.” This legislation extended copyright terms by 20 years, effectively preventing classic Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, from entering the public domain. Disney’s lobbying efforts are frequently cited as a prime example of how large media corporations can impact copyright legislation to safeguard their assets, underscoring the complex interplay between copyright law and corporate interests. Source
Bambi, a Life in the Woods (source) Disney argued that because Salten’s original 1923 publication of the novel did not include a copyright notice (and therefore) immediately considered a public domain work.
etc… Fuck em’ Let’s make NEW shit anyway!
Against the world I often feel alone,
but in truth I have allies unknown.