So, here's a question. Since the Fleischer Superman shorts are in the public domain, does that mean the designs, particularly the Fleischer costume are fair game once Supes himself is in the public domain?
Fleischer Superman
So, here's a question. Since the Fleischer Superman shorts are in the public domain, does that mean the designs, particularly the Fleischer costume are fair game once Supes himself is in the public domain?
The hair curl is trademarked
Sure, unless DC or WB think of some way to retain the rights past their expiration date.
On paper, the 30s versions of Superman, Batman and whoever else was made during this time will be public domain.
But someone like Robin for example won't, because he was created at a later point in time.
I know the Action Comics #1 design will be available, but not sure about the Fleischer design. It is unique to those shorts, which themselves are already publuc domain.
>does that mean the designs, particularly the Fleischer costume are fair game once Supes himself is in the public domain?
DC used the Fleischer logo for a bit in the New 52 Action Comics specifically so they could trademark it, so there might be some trouble there.
The two logos are a bit different though.
Close enough that they might take someone to court over it.
I just wish there was some will to shout down this bullshit for what it obviously is and release these characters from their plantations.
Trademark just means you can’t use it on posters, T-shirts, or covers. You can still use the logo in the story.
Damn and I was considering ordering that shirt
>DC used the Fleischer logo for a bit in the New 52 Action Comics specifically so they could trademark it,
How does that work?
Was it free to use before that?
Why would the date start from the comics appearance instead of the shorts?
>DC used the Fleischer logo for a bit in the New 52 Action Comics specifically so they could trademark it, so there might be some trouble there.
Look closely at the logo in your pic and compare to OP's
The "S"s are different
The New 52 is using the modern "S" as an influence
That's probably what DC will try to trademark, if at all (their main trademark is the classic "S" and not neccesarily the 1938/1939 version)
It's way harder to try and trademark the actual Fleischer "S"
Right, so let's say you did an original Superman only using story elements that appear in Action Comics #1 but the Fleischer costume. Just wondering if thst eould pass muster.
>On paper, the 30s versions of Superman, Batman and whoever else was made during this time will be public domain.
In reality, DC will sue the shit out of anyone who even draws a public domain Batman with a more streamlined cowl, or a Superman who spends a bit too much time on the air instead of just jumping
There's no winning, ever, in this situation.
>or a Superman who spends a bit too much time on the air instead of just jumping
This one really depends
Do they consider mistakes in the comic making it look like Superman could fly as canon? Because all someone would have to do is wait two more years and they can have Superman flying.
How did the mouse handle it?
That'll basically be the guideline for Marvel and DC squeezing out more time before shit becomes actually public domain.
Trademark is not copyright and Superman is trademark, maybe this specific look isn't but good luck in trial because even if you are right you for sure are going to fight in in court against DC lawyers
Surprised they didn't dredge this one out for that scene in The Flash.
He was already in CW's COIE (in the comic tie-in)
No, it just means that the shorts are free to be distributed to the public
Yes and no
Yes, right now it means the shorts are free to be distributed to the public but you can't use anything from it, because the original Superman stuff is still copyrighted
But OP's question is about what happens when that first year of Superman comics also goes PD years from now. It probably does mean you can use those and things from the cartoons since the cartoons aren't really adaptations of anything
I wonder why Snyder didn't just go full Fleischer with MOS
he's a hack