ABOUT THE BRAND

For people into skate and surf ethos

 

Erik spent his early childhood years in the USA, from the end of 1960's to mid '70s. Born in Norway and headed west like Leiv Eiriksson, not for the wine, but for the Big Wheel!

 

(image, ca 1972, USA. Copyright 2025)

Norway, around 2021/2022, Erik picks up media commentary on the public domain references to the next 'big one'. Thinking back then; 'cool, in January 2024, going to make some hoodies, holding a surfboard'. January 2024, Walt Disney's famous 1928’s Mickey Mouse Steamboat Willie has entered the public domain. In our brand, Steamboat Willie and Mickey Is Off The Boat®. The skateboarder wanted a hoodie and Steamboat Willie character is now into skate and surf.

What We Are Not.

We are not rights holders of the now in public domain characters from the 1928 Walt Disney movie; Mickey Mouse Sound Cartoon Steamboat Willie. We are not endorsed, licensed, or affiliated with The Walt Disney Company or group of enterprises. We are not copying or selling apparel with The Walt Disney Company proprietary or their protected character of our times iconography.

We are not using Disney Enterprises Inc. IP or brand assets identifiers. We are not infringing on Disney Enterprises Inc.’s registered motion trademark (USPTO Trademark application No. 97285747, with verbal element Walt Disney Animation Studios, Class 41; entertainment services). We are not misleading consumers. We are not confused and not launching this brand by accident.

What We Are.

Mickey Is Free!® is an independent commercial streetwear fashion brand by a Norwegian fashion co. venture, based near the end of a fjord and exercising our creative commercial rights. We listen to the Prodigy and inspired by artist REN. Our independent streetwear brand's mission statement:

 

SHE SELLS SEASHELLS ON THE SEASHORE & MASLOW FOR MORE, FROM THE END OF A FJORD

 

Streetwear hoodies and shirts focused apparel brand, with original narrative, additive creative elements and composition, authored and owned by Erik. The brand IP elements are all rooted in and limited to the 1928 in public domain work, used in a way that is distinctive, transformative and commentary-driven, consistent with established intellectual property rights in both Europe and the U.S. The skateboard and surfboard holding Mickey Mouse illustrations are registered Graphics Works, filed and accepted by THE US Copyright Office.

The Mickey Is Free!® derivative creative works and commercial apparel application, is backed by the US Constitution and nation signatories to the Berne Convention Shorter Term rule.

 

 

Images; Brand concept prints on prototype custom skate deck. Print of brand in stylised display font, testing application only. Original creative derivative works inspired by the 1928 Steamboat Willie character entry into the public domain January 2024. Not for sale items. Apparel brand test of disclaimer positioning and origin-indicator layout. Typography and disclaimers not final. Layout and configuration not final. No items for sale before commercial brand launch Autumn 2025.

 

Learn more about the cultural and trademark distinctiveness of MICKEY IS FREE!® here.