In a moment many close observers thought might never come, at least one version of the most iconic character in American pop culture will be free from Disney’s copyright as his first screen release, the 1928 short 'Steamboat Willie', featuring both Mickey and Minnie Mouse, becomes available for public use. “This is it. This is Mickey Mouse . This is exciting because it’s kind of symbolic,” said Jennifer Jenkins, a professor of law and director of Duke’s Center for the Study of Public Domain. ”I kind of feel like the pipe on the steamboat, like expelling smoke. It’s so exciting.” US law allows a copyright to be held for 95 years after Congress expanded it several times during Mickey’s life.