The 1928 black-and-white film, "Steamboat Willie," which introduced Mickey, will no longer be copyrighted following 95 years of protection under U.S. law.

This event marks a significant moment that has been awaited by filmmakers, fans, lawyers, and Disney executives alike. In the past, Disney has even lobbied for extensions to U.S. copyright terms.

Jennifer Jenkins from the Duke Center for the Public Domain notes the potential for creative reinterpretations of "Steamboat Willie" and another 1928 film, "Plane Crazy." While older versions of characters like Mickey and Minnie can now be freely used, Disney maintains the rights to later, more recognizable versions of these characters.

However, Disney remains prepared to defend their rights over modern renditions of Mickey Mouse and other copyrighted works.

Legal experts such as Hughes from Loyola Law School anticipate possible legal disputes and expect Disney to clarify which elements of the Mickey Mouse character remain protected. Disney's trademarks, which can be indefinitely renewed, still protect against unauthorized merchandise that could confuse consumers.

While there may be bold moves into the public domain, Disney's strategic use of the "Steamboat Willie" clip in their film intros as a trademark could lead to potential legal action against unauthorized merchandise.

Experts like Jenkins underscore that trademarks cannot override the allowances made by copyright expiration. Nevertheless, caution is advised for those seeking to leverage Disney's iconic character.

Future iterations might range from novelty pieces to enduring works inspired by Mickey Mouse, akin to modern adaptations of Shakespearean plays. Jenkins expresses curiosity for the creative outcomes in the coming years, and their long-term impact and cultural significance.