2024 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives
January 23, 2024: Up, Up and Away to Public Domain: When Will Superman Soar Free?
By Steve Younis The iconic black and white form of Mickey Mouse whistling his cheery tune as he steers a rickety steamboat has become a symbol not just of Disney, but of a cultural landmark: the entry of works from 1928 into the public domain. As the ear-hatted rodent gleefully steps into the realm of free-for-all creativity, a question inevitably echoes across the comic book universe: when will Superman, another titan of popular culture, follow suit? For over eight decades, Superman has been a beacon of hope and justice, inspiring generations with his unwavering moral compass and superhuman feats. But what happens to the Man of Steel when copyright expires? When will Superman finally take flight into the vast expanse of the public domain? Buckle up, because we're about to break the sound barrier of copyright law and explore the future of our favorite Kryptonian.Countdown to Public Domain:
Under current US copyright law, works published before 1978 enter the public domain 95 years after their first appearance. Superman, gracing the pages of Action Comics #1 in 1938, faces a 2034 deadline before he can truly spread his wings and fly free.Not Your Father's Superman:
Hold your horses, though. While the original, red-clad Superman of 1938 will be fair game, subsequent developments and iterations remain under copyright protection... for now. Many later elements, like Lex Luthor, Kryptonite, and the Daily Planet will gradually enter the public domain over the coming years. So, don't expect to see your favorite Byrne-era Superman or Zack Snyder's cinematic Man of Steel suddenly become public property. It's a gradual process, but one that opens doors for creators to explore different eras of the Man of Steel's legacy.Trademark Troubles:
Even in 2034, DC Comics will likely retain trademarks on iconic elements like the Superman logo, the S-shield, and specific character names. While you might be able to write your own Superman story using the original concept, remember that trademark concerns extend beyond just the logo and character names. Merchandise, adaptations in various media, and even specific catchphrases could still be protected under trademark law. So, while your fan fiction might be free to fly, using certain iconic elements could still land you in legal trouble. Let's look at the DC Comics vs. Kryptonite Corp. legal case as an example. This case - and the Daily Planet case mentioned in it - illustrates what could happen when people start using public domain Superman elements. The ruling notes that Kryptonite Locks have Kryptonite as a mark under an agreement with DC that the company (Schlage) will use in ways not associated with Superman marks. The case arose in part when the lock company started using "super" in its marketing. Implicit in this: DC sees the use of Kryptonite as a source identifier to be problematic when used in ways associated with DC's Superman marks.Creative Kryptonite? Or a Golden Age of Storytelling?
The public domain can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it could unleash a wave of unauthorized Superman stories, some potentially cringe-worthy pastiches, others daring reimaginings. On the other hand, it could open doors for independent creators, fan fiction enthusiasts, and aspiring comic book artists to contribute to the Superman mythos.DC Comics' Next Chapter:
DC Comics, ever the strategic innovators, have several options to navigate this new landscape. One intriguing possibility is to publish original copyrighted stories featuring characters and elements that are approaching the public domain. The multiverse concept provides a perfect sandbox for such endeavors, allowing them to explore alternate versions of Superman while simultaneously reinforcing the distinction between authorized stories and independent creations. This strategy could not only protect their intellectual property but also offer fans a fresh perspective on their beloved hero.The Future Remains Up, Up and Away:
The exact trajectory of Superman's future in the public domain remains unclear, shrouded in a mist of legal complexities and creative possibilities. But one thing's for sure, the Man of Steel's impact on pop culture is undeniable, and his legend will continue to soar, even after he sheds the shackles of copyright. So, keep your capes and tights at the ready, because in 2034, Superman might just enter a whole new era of adventures. [A huge thanks to Jeff Trexler for lending his legal expertise and knowledge towards this article]2024 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News
Listed below are all the Merchandise & Miscellaneous News items archived for 2024.- January 4, 2024: DC Shop Announces Exclusive Superman Krypto Lineage T-Shirt
- January 9, 2024: “DC Super Friends” Kids Activity! Secret Search Episode 2
- January 10, 2024: Superman of Earth-2 (Crisis on Infinite Earths) Gold Label Action Figure
- January 11, 2024: Superman Christmas Gifts - Superman Poll Results
- January 12, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Albuquerque Comic Con Next Weekend (January 19-21, 2024)
- January 16, 2024: “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” Official Gameplay Launch Trailer - “Do the Impossible”
- January 18, 2024: Superman in 2024 - Superman Poll Results
- January 19, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Days of the Dead Convention Next Weekend (January 26-28, 2024)
- January 20, 2024: Superman vs Doomsday 1:10 Scale Statue by Iron Studios Now Available for Pre-Order
- January 22, 2024: Brains On! Science Podcast Presents “Superman: An Immigrant's Story”
- January 23, 2024: Up, Up and Away to Public Domain: When Will Superman Soar Free?
- January 23, 2024: Ranking the Supermen of the Multiverse Panel at Phoenix Fan Fusion
- January 23, 2024: “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” Video Game Insider - Episode 3
- January 25, 2024: Favorite Super Power - Superman Poll Results
- January 26, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending MegaCon Orlando Next Weekend (February 1-4, 2024)
- January 29, 2024: A Superman Homepage Retrospective by Neal Bailey
- January 30, 2024: The Return of Superman Superboy MAFEX Action Figure
- February 1, 2024: Superman Gold Edition 40th Anniversary Action Figure Included in DC Super Powers Wave 7 Case
- February 1, 2024: Pre-Order Your DC Super Powers Wave 7 Brainiac Action Figure and Skull Ship Vehicle
- February 2, 2024: Win a Family Trip to Warner Bros. Movie World with Nestlé Milo and Cheerios Cereals
- February 2, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (February 9-11, 2024)
- February 9, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (February 16-19, 2024)
- February 12, 2024: Sideshow Collectibles Previews New Superman Premium Format Figure
- February 14, 2024: Looney Tunes x DC Mash-Ups Clothing
- February 19, 2024: Bagzone Lifestyles Partners with Warner Bros Discovery to Launch Fashion Accessories
- February 22, 2024: “DC Heroes & Villains” Video Game Update and Superboy Spotlight
- February 23, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (February 29 - March 3, 2024)
- February 29, 2024: Happy Birthday Superman!
- March 1, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (March 7-10, 2024)
- March 2, 2024: A Superman Homepage Retrospective by Michael J Petty
- March 2, 2024: First Look at Earth-2 Superman and Brainiac “Superman: Ghosts of Krypton” Action Figures
- March 2, 2024: McFarlane Toys “Superman: Ghosts of Krypton” Action Figure First Look
- March 4, 2024: DC Heroes Superman Black and Silver Version 1:8 Scale Statue
- March 6, 2024: “Superman: Ghosts of Krypton” Page Punchers Action Figures Available for Pre-Order
- March 7, 2024: Sideshow Collectibles Giveaway - “Batman & Superman: World's Finest” Fine Art Print by Joshua Middleton
- March 8, 2024: First Look at Superman Blue JLA Action Figure
- March 8, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (March 15-17, 2024)
- March 12, 2024: Warner Bros. Games Announces “Multiversus” Launch Date and McDonald's Happy Meals Collectibles
- March 13, 2024: DC Build-A Wave 12 Justice League of America Superman 7-Inch Scale Action Figure
- March 14, 2024: Jerry Siegel's 3-Page Letter on the Origin of Superman to be Sold at Auction
- March 14, 2024: Mr. Mxyzptlk's Mischief St. Patrick's Day Event in “DC Universe Online” MMO Role Playing Game
- March 15, 2024: First Look at Kryptonite Doomsday Mega Figure from McFarlane Toys
- March 15, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (March 22-24, 2024)
- March 18, 2024: Get Your Free Metropolis Poster - Limited Edition!
- March 20, 2024: Pre-Order Your DC Multiverse Megafig Wave 7 Kryptonite Doomsday Superman/Batman Action Figure
- March 20, 2024: Cartoon Museum Presents “Heroes: The British Invasion of American Comics” Exhibition
- March 22, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending WonderCon, Anaheim Next Weekend (March 29-31, 2024)
- March 28, 2024: “Superman - Big Book of Trivia” Magazine Now Available
- March 29, 2024: “DC Universe Online” Now Available on PlayStation 5
- March 29, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (April 5-7, 2024)
- April 1, 2024: April Fools Day Story - Superman Shocker: Gunn's Reboot Rumored to Feature Secret Identity Reveal
- April 3, 2024: TNT Sports, Warner Bros. Games & National Hockey League to Present “MultiVersus NHL Face-Off”
- April 4, 2024: Auction for “Action Comics #1” Reaches $6 Million! Most Expensive Comic Book of All Time
- April 4, 2024: Jerry Siegel's 3-Page Letter on the Origin of Superman Sold at Auction
- April 5, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (April 12-14, 2024)
- April 11, 2024: Paws with Powers: New DC Super-Pets Clothing
- April 11, 2024: April Fools Day Reactions - Superman Poll Results
- April 12, 2024: Brandon Routh Attending TimminsCon Next Weekend (April 20-21, 2024)
- April 15, 2024: The Greatest Heroes in the DC Universe Unite in “DC Heroes United” Tabletop Game
- April 15, 2024: DC Secrets Revealed! - “Behind the Scenes With Superman”
- April 16, 2024: Superman Statue to Finally be Erected in Cleveland
- April 18, 2024: New Superman Merchandise at DC Shop - Classic Covers, Smallville and Metropolis Collections
- April 18, 2024: Get Your Free Smallville Poster - Limited Edition
- April 19, 2024: Metropolis, Illinois Superman Celebration Celebrity Guests Announced for 2024
- April 19, 2024: Superman Celebrities Attending Conventions Next Weekend (April 25-28, 2024)
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