January 15, 2019
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As reported by Complex, comic book artist Eymun Talasazan has sued musician The Weeknd for The Weeknd’s use of his alter-ego, Starboy, in his recently-released comic book.
In the spring of 2018, The Weeknd released a limited edition comic book with Marvel inspired by the singer’s 2016 album, Starboy. Talasazan, however, claims that he created an R&B and rap stars comic book universe years ago and, soon afterwards, filed a trademark application for a comic book hero version of “Starboy”.
Talasazan stated that in 2017, after the release of The Weeknd’s Starboy album, he brought the idea of incorporating the Starboy character into his R&B comic book universe to the Weeknd’s team. Talasazan has indicated that the Starboy comic book released by The Weeknd and Marvel has a “near identical premise” to the idea he discussed with the singer’s team last year.
Lawyers for The Weeknd have filed an opposition to Talasazan’s trademark infringement allegation, arguing that Talasazan had only included “comic books” in his trademark application following the news of the collaboration between Marvel and the Weeknd.
Talasazan seeks to have all copies of the singer’s book recalled and destroyed.
Authors: Amanda Bertucci and Alexandra Murray
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