Justice League of America. Credit: Image from court documents Joint Marvel, DC Trademark of 'Super Hero' Canceled Amid Challenge by Creator of 'Superbabies'
Attorney Adam Adler petitioned for cancellation of Marvel and DC Comics' trademarks, contending the "super hero" terms were generic. "What Marvel and DC were doing is really just the opposite and contrary to the values of their own heroes," he said.
September 30, 2024 at 03:25 PM
6 minute read
What You Need to Know
- London-based Superbabies Ltd. challenged the comic giants' "super hero" trademark.
- The cancellation came as part of a default judgment from the USPTO.
- A challenge over "super" as a trademarked prefix is still pending.
It's been said that superpowers aren't required to be a superhero. Now, a trademark challenge brought on behalf of a children's book author means that permission from Marvel or DC Comics is no longer required, either.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in Alexandria, Virginia, last week canceled Marvel Characters and DC Comics' joint registrations on the terms "super hero" and "super heroes." The board issued a default judgment after the respondents failed to file an answer to the petitioner's motion.
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