Superhero Trademarks Lost by Marvel and DC.

Marvel and DC, the iconic comic book giants, have long held a tight grip on the trademark for “Super Hero.” However, a recent development has shaken up this partnership as the US Patent and Trademark Office cancels their claim to several trademarks. This decision follows a challenge from Superbabies Limited, a small company known for its series of Superbabies comics featuring superhero babies. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this trademark battle and its implications on the comic book industry.

The Challenge from Superbabies Limited

Superbabies Limited, the brainchild behind the adorable superhero babies comics, made a bold move by challenging Marvel and DC’s ownership of the “Super Hero” trademark. The catalyst for this challenge was DC’s attempt to hinder Superbabies creator S.J. Richold’s promotional efforts for The Super Babies comics. In response, Richold took legal action, leading to the USPTO’s decision to cancel the trademarks.

The Impact on Marvel and DC

Marvel and DC’s failure to respond to the challenge within the specified timeframe resulted in the cancellation of four patents, including the iconic “SUPER HERO” trademark dating back to 1967. Despite this setback, the companies still retain ownership of other superhero-related trademarks such as “SUPER HEROES” and “SUPER-VILLAIN.” This turn of events marks a significant shift in the dynamics of trademark ownership in the comic book world.

Exploring the Trademark Battle

For readers interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of Marvel and DC’s trademark disputes, attorney Adam Adler provides a detailed analysis in a series of articles for Escapist Magazine. Adler sheds light on the history of joint trademark ownership between the two comic book giants and the legal battles fought to safeguard their trademarks. His insights offer a fascinating look into the world of intellectual property rights in the realm of superheroes.

Concluding Thoughts

The cancellation of Marvel and DC’s “Super Hero” trademarks signifies a significant shift in the comic book industry’s trademark landscape. This development opens up new possibilities for other creatives and small companies to explore superhero-themed content without the constraints of established trademarks. As the dust settles on this legal battle, the future of superhero trademarks remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – the world of comic books is in for a dramatic change.

FAQs

Q: Why did the USPTO cancel Marvel and DC’s trademarks?

A: The cancellation of Marvel and DC’s trademarks came as a result of a challenge from Superbabies Limited, a small company producing superhero babies comics.

Q: What trademarks do Marvel and DC still own?

A: Marvel and DC still co-own trademarks such as “SUPER HEROES” and “SUPER-VILLAIN,” despite the cancellation of the “SUPER HERO” trademark.

Q: What legal implications does this trademark cancellation have for the comic book industry?

A: The trademark cancellation opens up opportunities for other creators and small companies to explore superhero-themed content without restrictions imposed by established trademarks, signaling a potential shift in the industry’s trademark landscape.

Credit: www.theverge.com