Steven Beer Quoted In Variety Article on Upcoming Expiration of Superman, Batman Copyrights

New York, N.Y. (January 18, 2024) - New York Partner and National Chair of Lewis Brisbois' Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice Steven C. Beer was recently quoted in a Variety article exploring the implications of the upcoming expirations of DC Comics' copyrights for its iconic Superman and Batman characters. 

The Variety article explains that Superman and Lois Lane are set to enter the public domain in 2034, with the copyright for Batman expiring the following year. Other fan-favorite DC heroes and villains will also enter the public domain in the near future, including the Joker in 2036 and Wonder Woman in 2037. 

The article points out that, in the past, the expirations of copyrights for other popular media characters have been followed almost immediately by unauthorized projects featuring new takes on those characters. For instance, when Disney's "Steamboat Willie" - the 1928 black-and-white cartoon featuring one of the first appearances by Mickey Mouse - entered the public domain on Jan. 1, two horror-themed Mickey films were announced within 24 hours, according to the article. 

In DC's case, the article notes that the comics company's executives have sought to protect characters that are set to enter the public domain by gradually updating those characters' "literary and visual characteristics." On that front, Mr. Beer told Variety that DC has done a good job of updating Superman over the years. 

“The public’s perception is the contemporary Superman. It’s distinctive,” he told the publication. “That gives them a lot of protection.”

Mr. Beer concentrates his practice on film, television, and music matters. He represents industry-leading film, television, and music companies and has acted as counsel to numerous award-winning writers, directors, producers, and multi-platinum musical artists. He regularly negotiates rights deals for film and television projects.

Learn more about Lewis Brisbois' Entertainment, Media & Sports capabilities here.

Read the full Variety article here.