Superman, Batman, etc. will never become public domain. Disney will make sure nothing after 1928 ever does.
Superman, Batman, etc. will never become public domain. Disney will make sure nothing after 1928 ever does.
Assassinate Putin!
Four years. This year, stuff from 1924 entered the Public Domain.
But they'll try to force another change to the copyright laws.
I think they could be successful in getting it extended for four more years, to a total of 100 years after creation.
But anything beyond that would be absurd, as anybody involved in the creation of something is almost certainly dead and gone by 100 years.
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Exactly. Mickey and a lot of other characters, including Superman and Batman I think, should have hit public domain long ago, under the original ruling. But Disney and WB (and others) have succeeded in extending the law two or three times already, I believe. And there's no reason to think this next time will be any different.
I've thought the same thing. But then, look at other characters in the public domain; it's not a reassuring image.
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A bat! That's it! It's an omen.. I'll shall become a bat!
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If fanfiction is any indication, pretty much every story will include Bat Characters. I like 'em, but it's frustrating that it's so difficult to find a Jon Kent or Billy Batson or even Clark Kent story that doesn't feature a Bat. Or else ship Clark with Lex. I know, I know, I could write fanfic myself if I wanted something different - I lack the talent.
The only thing that will go into public domain is the actual comics. They will then be free to reprint, distribute, and sell by any entity without paying royalties or permission from DC.
The characters of Batman or Superman or Wonder Woman has never been copyrighted. They have been trademarked, and will continue to be so. That also means it's tricky to market any Superman reprints.
«Speaking generally, it is because of the desire of the tragic poets for the marvellous that so varied and inconsistent an account of Medea has been given out» (Diodorus Siculus, The Library of History [4.56.1])
It's based on when the book was published. There are already a few stories of Batman and Superman early days that could be potentially be used today. (Not all.Only the stories and items contained at the time of each published book can be used.)
But you would/should be a very brave or wealthy person to attempt it. Since at the current time whether it's public domain or not the company would be stupid not to challenge it, take the person to court, and then lock them down in legal fee's until the person decided it wasn't worth it or goes broke.
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