Marvel and DC Comics creators of X-Men: Apocalypse, Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man have historically banned anyone from using the word ‘Superhero’.
Graham Jules, who has written a business start-up book called ‘Business Zero To Superhero’ found this to his detriment when he received a letter from Marvel & DC’s solicitors demanding that he refrain from using the word superhero in his book, entangling him in a web of legal complexity.
Undeterred, the entrepreneur and law student kicked up a storm and stood up to the multi-billion dollar entertainment giant. In a gambit that could be best described as one displaying superhero powers, he proceeded to win the battle between ‘David and Goliath’. Jules said, “I was on the verge of scrapping the book, so this is an amazing result and has taken three years of fighting. It was a scary process going up against such a huge company, but I am glad justice has been done and I can now officially use the word superhero in the title of the book, I can’t believe I have defeated the X-men, Spiderman, and Iron Man all by myself!”
Marvel and DC Comics have controversially jointly owned the trade mark ‘Superheroes’ since 1979. Apparently, there is a strong case that the term has become generic, has become part of everyday language and should be free for all to use. Marvel and DC argue that their trade mark is still valid and enforceable. However, the result now allows Jules the use of the trade mark, “Zero To Superhero” without further threat from Marvel and DC.
Jules, who represented his own company said, “I hope this is a sign that they have decided to rethink their strategy. As a small business entrepreneur and law student, I do not have the resources to compete with Marvel and DC, but my legal training taught me I had a good chance of success where many have fallen before. It just goes to show what the little guy can achieve with persistence and determination.” Indeed, his bravery shows that superheroes and super powers are not only limited to Marvel and DC, we wish him all the best.
X- Men Apocalypse Makers Marvel and DC Lose Battle to prevent UK Author saying ‘Superhero’
