The Hell's Angels motorcycle club sued Marvel Comics on Friday, saying that a new comic book character called Hell's Angel violates their trademark.
The lawsuit says Hell's Angels Motorcycle Corp. owns exclusive, federally registered rights to the Hell's Angels name and insignia. The club incorporated in Oakland 22 years ago.Marvel is accused in the lawsuit of unfair competition and "getting a free ride" by using the club's "highly recognizable and powerfully evocative" name for a female character who debuted in July.
Plaintiff's attorney Fritz-Howard Clapp asked the court for an order halting further sales, destruction of unsold issues and damages including Marvel's profits from the comic.