October 23, 2024: Good News: You Can Be A Super Hero!

[RoboAdmin]

October 23, 2024: Good News: You Can Be A Super Hero!

Read this article on the Illuminator.

[Alden Loveshade]

I admit I haven't yet figured out trademark law.

1) Merriam-Webster says the term "superhero" goes back to 1899. So it was public domain--then trademarked in 1977?

2) The most commonly used image of J.R. "Bob" Dobbs, trademarked by the Church of the SubGenius, was previously public domain.

3) A certain well-known (unnamed) American politician tried in the 21st century to trademark a phrase that had existed since the 19th century.

4) And yes, I've read this: "Several of Steve Jackson Games' marks are registered, including the Eye in the Pyramid logo. (Incidentally, the fact that a similar symbol appears on U.S. currency has nothing to do with our exclusive right to use it on games . . . ) "

[Steven Marsh]

Originally Posted by Alden Loveshade

1) Merriam-Webster says the term "superhero" goes back to 1899. So it was public domain--then trademarked in 1977?

I'm no lawyer, and my knowledge on all this stuff is really sketchy, but I note that the term "apple" has existed for a few years, yet if you do anything labeled "apple" in the world of computers or music, a couple of companies are going to have words for you . . . (See also oracle, visa, intel, spectrum, zoom, chase, etc.)

[Alden Loveshade]

Originally Posted by Steven Marsh

I'm no lawyer, and my knowledge on all this stuff is really sketchy, but I note that the term "apple" has existed for a few years, yet if you do anything labeled "apple" in the world of computers or music, a couple of companies are going to have words for you . . . (See also oracle, visa, intel, spectrum, zoom, chase, etc.)

Merriam-Webster puts the origin of the word "apple" as pre-12th century. But the computer Deep Thought goes back over seven and a half million years! I know that's true because it says so in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy!

Seriously, good examples. Even though I have a trademark, I still don't fully understand how this stuff works.