DC COMICS/WARNER BROTHERS BANS ALL PARODIES
Even harmless ones such as =93Superrabbi=94
(Looks too much like Superman)
DC COMICS Vs SUPERRABBI
Two big Issues:
(1) Denial of Constitutional Rights of FREE SPEECH =96 to parody DC
Comics characters (Superman).
(2) Denial of Constitutional Rights to apply for a Trademark
(Superrabbi).
Apparently, DC Comics/Warner Brothers have co-opted the word =91Super=92,
so that any trademark with =91Super=92, is viciously attacked. Even
harmless parodies such as =91Superrabbi=92 are not allowed.
http://www.superrabbi.com
For example, I received a Frivolous, Threatening =91Cease and
Desist=92 (C&W) Letter
Making the ridiculous claim that Superrabbi violates the Superman
trademark:
(1) =93=85When he flies his (Hasidic) jacket flutters in the wind just
like Superman=92s cape..=94
(2) The slogan =96 =93Faster Than A Speeding Bagel=94 is confusing.
Threatening Letter -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibledog
This intimidating Cease and Desist letter was triggered by the
application for the =91SUPERRABBI Trademark. And among other things, it
makes the outrageous demand that you =93voluntarily withdraw your
trademark application for =91Superrabbi=92, OR ELSE!!=94
Apparently, DC Comics wants to save money (and humiliation if they
lose) by not filing a formal opposition to the trademark. This is a
gross abuse of Legal Power.
Opposition to Superrabbi Trademark
-
http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?qs=3D77226777
This is a landmark case; if I lose, than no one can ever parody a
character owned by a major Entertainment company (DC Comics/Warner
Brothers), even if the parody is completely harmless.
|
