Final answer:
Walt Disney is the creator of Mickey Mouse and the founder of the Disney business empire. The Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act extended Mickey Mouse's copyright protection to 95 years after its first publication, preventing copying until it expires.
Step-by-step explanation:
The famous man who created Mickey Mouse and started a multi-billion dollar business was Walt Disney. Regarding Mickey Mouse's copyright protection, it is important to note that originally, copyrights were set to expire, which would make characters like Mickey Mouse available for public use. In 2003, the copyright for Mickey Mouse was due to run out. However, in 1998, the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act was passed by Congress, changing the law for copyright terms. For entities like companies, this act extended copyright from 75 years to 95 years after publication, while for individuals, it extended protection from 50 years to 70 years after the death of the creator. Therefore, Mickey Mouse is protected from being copied for 95 years after its first publication.