Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Copyright has been extended to cover fictional characters for instance. Can you provide an example?
Yes; Mickey Mouse is covered by copyright law, via the copyright on the original work he appeared in -- Steamboat Willie. While the protection of the copyright of Steamboat Willie in itself is probably of no consequence to Disney, it's foundation to the licensability of Mickey Mouse is. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steamboat_Willie#Copyright_sta...
Mickey Mouse the character is protected by trademark. Unlike copyright, there is no time limit on trademarks. As long as they remain in active use and defended by the mark holder, they remain protected. To be clear: Steamboat Willie could enter the public domain tomorrow and it would not affect Mickey's trademark status.