Dubbo lighting store fights DC Comics over Fanman superhero character
Matthew McKay owns Dubbo Lighting Centre. He is fighting a DC Comics legal demand claiming his Fanman character copies Superman.
DC Comics told Dubbo Lighting Centre to remove content about Fanman, a caped superhero in blue, yellow and red. The company says the character is too similar to Superman, first published in 1938.
DC feared customers might think the store was affiliated with it. McKay disagrees, saying customers know the store is independent.
He also questioned whether Fanman is actually driving sales, noting that people don't buy lights every week. McKay has hired a lawyer to fight the claim and hopes to keep Fanman in some form.
He would accept changing the suit design if needed.
- Blue, yellow and red
- Fanman colors
- Matthew McKay
- Owner
- 1938
- Superman published
- Dubbo
- Store location
Why it mattersA small Australian business is standing up to a massive US corporation over creative rights. The dispute shows that independent retailers will fight for their branding ideas.
AustraliaA Dubbo small business is challenging a major US corporation's trademark claim in Australia, illustrating the real legal risks independent retailers face with creative branding.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
