Is the name "Wolfman" in public domain?

[samurainoir]

Or is it owned by Universal? Unlike Dracula and Frankenstein, which are based on public domain novels, I'm assuming The Wolfman is TM and C based on the 1940's film?

In which case, one would have to use the generic term "Werewolf"?

[Orion]

Just did a quick check of the USPTO website. Looks like Universal has at least two live trademarks related to "Wolfman."

[samurainoir]

Just did a quick check of the USPTO website. Looks like Universal has at least two live trademarks related to "Wolfman."

Thanks Orion! I'll have to check out the USPTO website. It sounds like a great resource.

So it's probably safer to go with "Werewolf" if you don't have a Universal Monsters license.

[samurainoir]

Although it looks like CTVT (and Mego back in the 70's?) got away with "The Human Wolfman".

So long as it doesn't look like the Universal Monster?

[Orion]

Although it looks like CTVT (and Mego back in the 70's?) got away with "The Human Wolfman".

So long as it doesn't look like the Universal Monster?

Hmmm . . . that is interesting. I wonder if the addition of "The Human . . ." allowed them some room on this one. I would think Werewolf is the safer route to go unless you had a license. Why create a possible issue. The only werewolf mark I saw was "Werewolf By Night", which isn't a big surprise.

[Earth 2 Chris]

There's that comic "The Amazing Wolfman" that is out right now. I guess "The Amazing" is how they get by as well.

Chris

[hedrap]

Yeah. "Wolfman" is TM'd by Universal and has been since the 40's. Any use has to be like "Amazing Wolfman"or "Human Wolfman". Once you do, you can't deviate. Odds are lower they'll send a cease-and-desist since the movie bottomed out. "Werewolf" and "Lycanthrope" are public domain.

The makeup designs are also trademarked, so you have to watch out what combinations you use, especially for Frankenstein. Flat head, green skin and neck bolts could result in a letter.

[Bruce Banner]

Interestingly, the original movie was spelled "The Wolf Man" with a space between the wolf and the man, but the remake is just "The Wolfman" with no space... both registered by Universal.

[The Toyroom]

The makeup designs are also trademarked, so you have to watch out what combinations you use, especially for Frankenstein. Flat head, green skin and neck bolts could result in a letter.

Mego moved Frankie's neckbolts up to his temples for their Mad Monster release They rounded his head too, no?

[johnmiic]

Hmmm . . . that is interesting. I wonder if the addition of "The Human . . ." allowed them some room on this one. I would think Werewolf is the safer route to go unless you had a license. Why create a possible issue. The only werewolf mark I saw was "Werewolf By Night", which isn't a big surprise.

Funny you mention that. This Werewolf figure is from Doctor Who and closely resembles the werewolf as drawn by Bill S. from Moon Knight. I have one and it goes well with Megos and Toy Biz Marvel Legends. It's on sale too!

Who North America, Your Doctor Who Source: US-Based Suppliers of Doctor Who and British Sci Fi Merch: 5" Werewolf Figure

[Megotu]

I thought Stephenie Meyers owned the rights to Werewolf and Wolfman due to her inventing the concept of lycanthropy...