Miki Miška - nesmrtni kralj intelektualne lastnine

slovenian

2025

volume 80, issue 5/6

copyright   fictional characters   intellectual property   public domain   rule of comparison of terms   rule of the shorter term   trademark

Univerza v Ljubljani, Pravna fakulteta
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

The entertainment industry is a major sector of modern capitalist economies, deeply tied to intellectual property law. This article examines the legal challenges posed by fictional characters through a case study of Mickey Mouse, the iconic symbol of Walt Disney Corporation. It explores the interplay between copyright and trademark law, starting with the temporal limits of copyright protection. The analysis then explores whether Mickey Mouse’s entry into the public domain in the United States affects his status within the European Union and Slovenia, and evaluates originality requirements for subsequent iterations. The authors further investigate trademark law, emphasising dual protection and the implications of extending exclusivity through trademarks. By addressing key legal provisions, the authors assess how intellectual property law mediates between incentivising creative investment and ensuring public access to cultural heritage.

20.07.2026