A friend and I have an idea for an app but we are afraid it will violate copyright laws.
Can we use super heroes such as Batman, Spiderman, etc… in our app?
Would this violate copyright laws?
Thanks,
Max Nelson
You should be very careful if you plan to use those heroes or anything that has a copyright. If you want to use those, you should contact the company and talk to the licensing department. But I am pretty sure that the cost may be real high…
Google Play will most likely remove your app retrospectively after auto-accepting it. 3 strikes and you’re out.
Apple will most likely reject at the outset and ask for proof of use by the copyright holder.
I say “most likely” in each case, as it’s a bit of a lottery as to how the app store(s) will respond. Upshot - stay away from supers!
Tbh you can do what GTA does (for cars). Instead of using the actual names of the super heroes you can spoof them. Bear in mind that you would have to change the design a little bit but you should get away with it if you’re lucky
Hmmmm… Ratman and Gliderman? 
They are definitely copyright/trademark protected, and I’d also suggest that you google for “Marvel lawsuits” … they’re not shy about protecting their IP.
Totally understandable. Obviously I can’t do this. Anyway thanks for all of the information, much appreciated!
You could always reach out to the folks at DC or Marvel and pitch your ideal to them. They do license their IP for people to use. I have no clue how much. The worst thing is they can say no. Their licensing is probably fair and depending on what you want to do, they might even help you with it.
Rob
ok ill check it out, thanks for giving me some input on licensing.
You should be very careful if you plan to use those heroes or anything that has a copyright. If you want to use those, you should contact the company and talk to the licensing department. But I am pretty sure that the cost may be real high…
Google Play will most likely remove your app retrospectively after auto-accepting it. 3 strikes and you’re out.
Apple will most likely reject at the outset and ask for proof of use by the copyright holder.
I say “most likely” in each case, as it’s a bit of a lottery as to how the app store(s) will respond. Upshot - stay away from supers!
Tbh you can do what GTA does (for cars). Instead of using the actual names of the super heroes you can spoof them. Bear in mind that you would have to change the design a little bit but you should get away with it if you’re lucky
Hmmmm… Ratman and Gliderman?
They are definitely copyright/trademark protected, and I’d also suggest that you google for “Marvel lawsuits” … they’re not shy about protecting their IP.
Totally understandable. Obviously I can’t do this. Anyway thanks for all of the information, much appreciated!
You could always reach out to the folks at DC or Marvel and pitch your ideal to them. They do license their IP for people to use. I have no clue how much. The worst thing is they can say no. Their licensing is probably fair and depending on what you want to do, they might even help you with it.
Rob
ok ill check it out, thanks for giving me some input on licensing.