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Apple Vs DC Comics Over Shazam Trademark?

Published Mon, 24 Dec 2018 12:30:19 -0600

Once upon a time, National Comics (latter day DC Comics) sued Fawcett Comics over their Captain Marvel character and his resemblance to Superman. Years later, DC would buy Fawcett and make Captain Marvel one of their own characters. By then, Marvel Comics was up and running, and would later publish their own Captain Marvel character. In 2019 both Captain Marvels are getting films from DC and Marvel, though DC has chosen the better part of valour and renaming the character–comic and movie–Shazam.

But the Shazam trademark battle continues in other ways. With a new movie coming out, Warner Bros and DC Comics are upping what they can trademak under the name and have just applied to register Shazam for the following…

Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations, namely, for treating sunburn, for skin care, for hydrating the skin, aloe vera preparations, bismuth preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, namely, dietetic sugar; plasters for medical use; materials for dressings, namely, gauze for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; food for babies; vitamins; drinks predominantly of vitamins, namely, nutritional supplement drinks in the nature of vitamin beverages; health food supplements made principally of vitamins; adhesive plastic and cloth bandages for skin wounds; alcohol for topical use; baby aspirin

Cosmetics; non-medicated lip care preparations; nail care preparations; face powder; body powder; non-medicated bath preparations; sunscreen preparations; shaving preparations; aftershave preparations; skin cleansers; deodorants for personal use; fragrances for personal use; detergent soap; fabric softener; stain removing preparations; laundry starch; hair care preparations; toothpaste; non-medicated mouthwash; room fragrances

Clothing, namely, shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jogging suits, trousers, pants, shorts, rainwear, infant wear, cloth baby bibs, plastic baby bibs; skirts, blouses, dresses, suspenders, sweaters, jackets, coats, snow suits, ties as clothing, robes, headwear; belts, scarves, sleepwear, lingerie, underwear; footwear; socks, booties, slipper socks; swimwear; masquerade and Halloween costumes and masks sold in connection therewith

Athletic bags, baby backpacks, backpacks, beach bags, book bags, diaper bags, duffel bags, gym bags, tote bags, coin purses, fanny packs, knapsacks, waist packs; reusable shopping bags, suitcases, suitcases with wheels, wheeled bags; umbrellas; wallets; shoulder straps; accessories made of leather, namely, wallets, handbags and shoulder straps

Glass, ceramic and earthenware goods, namely, mugs, jugs, bowls, plates, coffee cups, and cups; glass beverageware; sugar and creamer sets; infant cups; cookie jars; ceramic, glass and china figurines; non-electric coffee pots; lunch boxes; lunch pails; wastepaper baskets; ice buckets; plastic buckets; shower caddies; cake molds; household serving utensils, namely, pie servers, cake turners, spatulas, scrapers, and cake servers; canteens; plastic coasters; thermal insulated containers for food or beverages; cookie cutters; cork screws; water bottles sold empty; decanters; drinking flasks; gardening gloves; rubber household gloves; dinnerware; drinking straws; oven mitts; barbecue mitts; pot holders

Because, courtesy of a certain music-recognising piece of software which they bought a couple of months ago, Apple has registered the Shazam trademark for:

Software for video, image, audio, and music recognition and identification; databases containing downloadable recorded music files; downloadable audio, video and multimedia content; application development software; computer game software featuring music quizzes; user interfaces for on-board motor vehicle computers and electronic devices, namely, electronic control panels, monitors, touchscreens, remote controls, docking stations, connectors, switches, and voice activated controls; computer software enabling viewer of radio, television or streaming programs, films, or audio/visual entertainment or information content to access, online or via mobile phone or computer, interactive audio and visual entertainment or information content, offers or competitions or retail service providers; software for accessing information relating to music and audio and visual content; software enabling discovery, interaction with, and sharing of audio, video, printed, multimedia or augmented reality content

Messaging services; Broadcasting and transmission of voice data, images, music audio, video, multimedia, television and radio by means of telecommunications networks, computer networks, the internet, satellite, radio, wireless communications networks, television and cable; matching users for the transfer of music, audio, video, and multimedia by means of telecommunications networks, computer networks, the internet, satellite, radio, wireless communications networks, television and cable; providing access to websites, databases, electronic bulletin boards, on-line forums, directories, music and video and audio programs

Arranging, organizing, conducting and presenting concerts, live performances, entertainment special events, arts and cultural events, festivals, and sporting events; production, distribution, and presentation of radio programs, music, television programs, motion pictures and sound recordings; providing websites featuring entertainment and music; providing information, schedules, reviews and personalized recommendations of entertainment, motion pictures, concerts, live performances, competitions, fairs, festivals, exhibitions, expositions and sporting events; publication and presentation of reviews, surveys, and ratings, and providing interactive websites and computer applications for the posting and sharing of reviews, survey and ratings relating to entertainment, concerts, live performances, competitions, fairs, festivals, and exhibitions; providing online interactive information in the field of music, entertainment and films.

Hang on, hang on, "production, distribution, and presentation of… motion pictures and sound recordings"?

Oh dear.

This could be interesting….