Since the late 1960s, two comic book publishers have had an edge on using the term “Super Hero” – but not anymore. Here’s why things have changed.

Marvel and DC have jointly held the trademark for the word "superhero" since 1980, but no longer. The United States Patent and Trademark Office, in response to a petition from Superbabies, Limited, has canceled the trademark.

A tribunal at the U.S. Trademark Office has canceled Marvel and DC's joint trademark on the term "Super Hero," putting it in the public domain.

A legal battle ends with the cancelation of long-held trademarks by Marvel and DC, opening the term "Super Hero" to public use.

Attorney Adam Adler petitioned for cancelation of Marvel and DC Comics' trademarks, contending the "super hero" terms were generic. "What Marvel and DC were doing is really just the opposite and contrary to the values of their own heroes,

According to Reuters, the US Trademark Office canceled several of Marvel and DC Comics’ set of “Super Hero” trademarks in an order on September 26 at the request of Superbabies comic book artist R.J.

Marvel and DC came after the publisher of a comic series called Superbabies, alleging trademark violation. But these babies fought back.