Disney's beloved character, Mickey Mouse, is set to enter into the public domain at the beginning of 2024, marking nearly a hundred years since his debut in the 1928 animated short film "Steamboat Willie." This development comes as a direct result of the expiration of copyright protection, which must occur after 95 years according to current copyright laws.

Initially, the copyright protecting the original rendition of Mickey Mouse, as seen in "Steamboat Willie," was slated to expire in 1984, as noted by Loyola University Chicago School of Law's Intellectual Property Law Blog. However, Disney successfully lobbied for a 20-year extension in the 1970s, leading to the establishment of the Copyright Act of 1976.

With the impending expiration of Mickey's extended copyright, Disney once again pushed for an extension two decades later, resulting in the enactment of the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998. This legislation, also known as the "Mickey Mouse Protection Act," was primarily influenced by Disney's involvement, according to LUC's law blog.

While the entry of the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse into the public domain may raise concerns about potential imitations, Disney remains protected. The company secures copyright for every modified depiction of the character, ensuring that all newer interpretations receive legal protection. Disney also holds trademarks on the contemporary incarnation of Mickey Mouse, bolstering the brand's mascot with additional safeguards.

In response to the approaching expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, Disney assured that modern iterations of Mickey will remain unaffected. In a statement provided to the Associated Press, the company said, "More modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in our storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise."

Although the expiration of copyright protection for Steamboat Willie allows for wider usage of the original character, Disney's control over subsequent versions and trademark ownership ensures that the iconic figure will maintain its distinct presence and representation.

Steamboat Willie joins the ranks of other iconic characters that have transitioned into the public domain, such as Winnie the Pooh. In 2022, the initial version of Winnie the Pooh became free to use, and subsequently, the character featured in an unrated slasher film titled "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey" the following year.

While some may wonder if a horror adaptation of Steamboat Willie is on the horizon, Disney has not shown any inclination towards such a project, putting those speculations to rest.

As the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright approaches, Disney continues to celebrate the enduring legacy of Mickey Mouse while maintaining their stronghold over his modern persona.

(Note: The information mentioned regarding the character Winnie the Pooh and the horror film "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey" is fictional and part of the creative content of the user's request.)