Did you know that the word “Superheroes” is a registered trademark?

A word we have heard quite often in comics, caricatures, cartoons and even action figuresWith it we define a being with supernatural powers. Superhero, that's what he is called fictional characterThey began their journey in the late 1930s. From the beginning to the present day, they have been very popular, spanning several ages and eras.

It all started with the Golden Age, between 1938 and 1945, when Lee Falk introduced The Phantom in 1936He was not the pioneer, but he was the precursor, since in 1938 it appears Superman. What is considered the first Superhero, being a total success. Later, they were born Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Captain America, just to mention a few.

Then continued the Dark Age or Atomic Age, which spanned from 1946 to 1956It took place after the end of World War II and its success was decreasing.

Later, in 1956 marked the beginning of the Silver Age, which ended in 1970.. At this stage, Marvel Comics began to create his legendary superheroes. Thus begins, perhaps, the fiercest competition to be the best in this field. With its humanized champions with personal problems like any human being, Hulk, Spider-Man, Thor, X-Men and Fantastic Four.

Immediately, came the Bronze Age, from 1971 to 1985, where the Superheroes faced decadent situations in our society. Leaving aside personal problems, but they were not so noticeable in the arguments.

Then, From 1986 to the present, it covers the Modern Age. Superheroes resurfaced with several of the old authors and a new generation of them. In this way, they arrived Watchmen and Spawn, just to name a few. We also saw the film industry bring adaptations of the most famous champions to the big screen.

Superhero isn't copyright?

As a result of the competition that was generated between DC Comics and Marvel Comics, trying to dominate the market.  Since the 1960s, both companies used the word Superhero..

Therefore, in 1979 requested the grant to register the word as a trademark. Then, to 1981, was granted to them, since there were no objections, nor any claims for such a request. All this is because it is not a natural expression, but a constructed one.

From that date onwards, Marvel Comics and DC Comics were able to legally use the word in all their products.. To avoid constantly suing each other over one of their characters.

Although it is a registered trademark, it is not a copyright. Therefore, it is not so restrictive when it comes to naming a character as a superhero in comic book plots.

Which does not happen if you want to include the word in the paladin's name. Marvel and DC have sued or warned several when they tried to put the word in their titles.For this reason, other publishers use synonyms to avoid potential legal issues. These include metahuman, paladin, and mutant, to name a few.

It is important to mention that Paladin, is currently used to refer to a fictional character, that defends just causes. But Paladin was each of the 12 guardians of Charlemagne in the songs of the deeds, from the well-known set of legends of the matter of France. And it comes from the Latin Palatinus which means Palace officer.

To conclude and with all the above stated, can use the word superhero. Although it is a registered trademark, with certain restrictions. However, if you prefer to can Make use of synonyms like "paladin." Now, tell us: Did you know that this widely used word was trademarked by these two comic book giants?

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