Do I need permission to write a song about Batman?

Question

Do I need permission to write a song about Batman?

Answer 1

You can write a song certainly, I just wouldn't title the song Batman so you don't have to fork over royalties.

Answer 2

Yes, address it to



Batman,

The BatCave,

Gotham City

Answer 3

What people are failing to understand is anyone can write a song about a cartoon or other fictional character. You can mention cartoon characters and movie characters all day. Things that will get you in trouble include using actual logos of the characters in artwork, copying lyrics in a book, magazine or song they perform.



Shonen Knife - Buttercup (I'm a Supergirl) - Buttercup is a Powerpuff Girl.

Devo - Go Monkey Go - this one is kind of a cop-out, because Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo is Nickelodeon's music director.

Coasters - Charlie Brown - no explanation necessary.

Coolio - Dexter (What's His Name?) - ode to Dexter's Laboratory.

David Bowie - Life On Mars? - mentions Mickey Mouse as well as the comic strip Alley Oop.

Kinks - Wish I Could Fly Like Superman

REM - Superman

Barbra Streisand - Superman

Spin Doctors - Two Princes (about trying to win Superman's girlfriend, mentions him a lot)



Here's a personal favorite, which had to cite Hanna-Barbera for the sound bytes. My twin brother and I air banded this to perfection, (John on guitar, me on drums) with air bass and some lean-in "Yabba Dabba Do Time" vocals from starting power forward Brad Hill from the #1 ranked junior college team in the late 80s, at Sheridan College, Wyoming.

Screaming Blue Messiahs - Wanna Be A Flintstone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGZenzfg3A0

Answer 4

Only IF you intend using copyrighted pre-recorded and/or "artist created" musical sampling of known songs penned for Batman "intellectual properties" ( TV show, theater production and/or film production material ).



IF you intend to mass produce public release and/or broadcast your original song, it's strongly suggested you copyright secure it through the Library of Congress.

Answer 5

To write the song, no. To sing the song, no. To perform the song in public in a way that could potentially result in monetary gain for you or for another party, hell yes.

Answer 6

Yes. Batman is a trademark name. If you use the name without permission from the rightful owners, you can be sued.

Answer 7

Yes.

Answer 8

I suppose "Batman" is a copyrighted trade mark and can not be used or disseminated without express written consent by the office of the rightful owners. So you have to find who to ask and how much to pay.

Answer 9

Possibly, if you intend to profit and make money off it.

Answer 10

Depends if it’s for YouTube go right ahead anything other I’m not sure