Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Grape Moments in Trademark Infringement

I saw these packages of grapes at a local supermarket this morning. Now, I'm a big proponent of Fair Use, but in this case I think that DC Comics could file & win a trademark-infringement lawsuit against whomever it is who packages these "California Table Grapes, Produce of USA" (the only other text on the package).

As astute Superman geeks researchers have already noted, this "Supergrape" logotype (not just logo) is, apart from "grape," pretty much identical to the one used on pre-1987 Superman comic books and merchandise. Time to update your swipe files, "California Table Grapes, Produce of USA"!

(An official ComicsResearch.org "Not-a-Prize" for the first person to explain the "how & why" of that pre-1987 dating.)

Image: Courtesy of Palm Centro.

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