Marvel and DC Just Lost the Super Hero Trademark: Here’s What That Means

Marvel and DC Just Lost the Super Hero Trademark: Here's What That Means

As a lifelong comic book enthusiast and avid gamer, this news has sent shockwaves through my universe! For decades, I’ve marveled (pun intended) at the Super Heroes that populate the pages of Marvel and DC comics, from the mighty Avengers to the brooding Batman. To learn that a joint trademark on the very term “Super Hero” has been canceled feels like an epic battle won by the little guy – or in this case, Scott Richold of Superbabies Ltd.


Today, a significant change has taken place in the comic book industry. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has revoked a long-standing trademark held by Marvel Comics and DC Comics for the term “Super Hero”. This decision was made following a legal challenge by Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg (RJLF) on behalf of their clients, S.J. Richold and Superbabies Limited. The cancellation occurred because DC and Marvel did not respond to court requests regarding the joint trademark dispute. As a result, RJLF’s clients are now free to use the term “Super Hero” without any legal complications.

A Joint Trademark

Marvel and DC Just Lost the Super Hero Trademark: Here's What That Means

In 1977, DC Comics and Marvel Comics jointly registered the trademark for the term “superhero,” which was approved in 1979. Since then, they have successfully defended this trademark on numerous occasions, both domestically and internationally. However, a recent challenge to the trademark was made by Scott Richold of Superbabies Ltd in May of this year. He argues that “Super Hero,” as well as terms such as “superhero” or “super-hero,” are generic terms that do not qualify for trademark protection. The complaint asserts, “DC and Marvel are mistaken. Trademark law does not allow companies to claim exclusive rights over an entire genre.” Upon examination of the complaint, you will discover a range of examples from DC, Marvel, Image, and others used as evidence supporting this core argument.

Marvel and DC Just Lost the Super Hero Trademark: Here's What That Means

As an ardent admirer, I’m rephrasing the situation here: Superbabies Ltd petitioned the court for a default judgment in their favor, claiming that DC Comics and Marvel Characters failed to meet the deadline to respond to the charges by July 24th. Since they didn’t comply or ask for an extension, today’s decision was made to revoke the trademark.

What This Means From Here

Marvel and DC Just Lost the Super Hero Trademark: Here's What That Means

The decision doesn’t limit what Marvel or DC can produce, but it does free up the use of the term ‘Super Heroes’ for other companies. Adam Adler, lead counsel for Superbabies, described this as a triumph for creativity and innovation, ensuring that ‘Super Heroes’ remains a symbol of heroism in the public domain for all creators to utilize.

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2024-09-29 02:39