Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, dc comics, entertainment, jla, Riyanna, Robyn, trademark

DC Comics Registers JLA Trademark, Challenges Riyanna's Robyn

Published Tue, 19 May 2015 09:00:06 -0500

Last updated Tue, 19 May 2015 10:08:04 -0500

DC Comics has published the Justice League Of America since 1960, on and off. Mostly on. In 1987, it was relaunched as Justice League, then Justice League International, before splitting into Justice League of America and Justice League Europe.

From 1997 to 2006, it was renamed with the initials JLA before switching back to Justice League of America. The for the New 52 relaunch we got Justice League and Justice League International – and with the June mini-relaunch we have a Justice League Of America again.

Now they have registered a trademark for JLA for

downloadable publications in the nature of books featuring characters from animated, action adventure, comedy and/or drama features, comic books, graphic novels, magazines featuring characters from animated, action adventure, comedy and/or drama features. Printed matter – namely, books featuring characters from animated, action adventure, comedy and/or drama features, comic books, graphic novels, magazines featuring characters from animated, action adventure, comedy and/or drama features.

Despite not using that name for nine years. To protect a trademark, however, it has to be used in the manner in which it has been registered…

And obviously to protect from these guys.

But DC aren't jut about registering their trademarks, they are challenging others. Such as Rihanna's company's registration of Robyn as a trademark for an online magazine – Robyn is Rihanna's first name. But DC Comics have published comics called Robin. And, according to DC, that's too close.

It's not, of course. Odds are it might just need a rewording of registration to avoid such potential crossover. But it gives the lawyers something to do…