It's a complicated process, but generally copyrights last for about 70 years after the creator's death, and then expire. That leaves certain well known icons and works in the public domain, where anyone can use them for free. Which brings us to 2024. Among the famous items coming up for grabs when the calendar page is turned is one everyone is curious about.

It's Mickey Mouse, who first appeared in the pioneering Disney cartoon "Steamboat Willie" back in 1928. But there's a big asterisk here - it's only the specific version of Mickey that appeared in that short that's free for the taking. The mighty mouse's image has changed over the years and the one we know today is still not there for the taking. So those wanting to tread on Mickey should do so carefully. 

Another big name whose works will no longer be protected - the legendary Hank Williams' songs like "Your Cheatin' Heart." 

There are more, including works by Pablo Picasso and J.R.R. Tolkien, along with literary classics such as "The House on Pooh Corner," (The original Winnie-The-Pooh came out of copyright last year and they immediately made a slasher horror movie about the character, with Winnie as the mass murderer. You can only imagine what they might do if some creative type tries to slip audiences a Mickey.)

You can see some of what else is coming here. 

Still, it may not entirely be a free-for-all, with trademark registries possibly protecting some of the most famous works. 

Free for all: Mickey Mouse, Hank Williams and Citizen Kane coming out of copyright in 2024