Superman Copyright Dispute: Shuster Estate Sues Warner Bros.
The estate of Joseph Shuster, co-creator of Superman, has filed a federal lawsuit against DC Comics and Warner Bros. Discovery, alleging unauthorized use of the Superman character in several international markets. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, asserts that under certain foreign copyright laws, specifically those in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, the rights to Superman reverted to Shuster’s estate 25 years after his death in 1992, i.e., in 2017.
Despite this reversion, the estate claims that DC Comics and Warner Bros. have continued to utilize the Superman character in these territories without proper authorization, encompassing various media such as films, television series, video games, and merchandise. The estate is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent further use of Superman in these regions without appropriate licensing.
This legal action emerges ahead of the planned release of a new Superman film, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, scheduled for July 11, 2025. The outcome of this lawsuit could potentially impact the film’s distribution in the affected international markets.
Warner Bros. has publicly stated its intent to “vigorously defend” its rights, expressing fundamental disagreement with the lawsuit’s merits. wsj.com
This lawsuit represents the latest development in a series of legal disputes over the Superman copyright, dating back to 1938 when Shuster and co-creator Jerry Siegel sold the rights to DC Comics’ predecessor for $130. Over the decades, multiple legal battles have ensued as the creators and their estates sought to reclaim rights or secure better compensation. The current case underscores the complexities of international copyright laws and their implications for intellectual property rights, particularly concerning iconic characters like Superman.
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