Warning! Spoilers for Amazing Spider-Man and Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Marvel Comics

Both Peter Parker and Miles Morales face different legal challenges for using the name Spider-Man in the pages of Marvel Comics, thanks to Ben Reilly and the Beyond Corporation. In his ongoing series, the wealthy corporation told Miles to step aside from the Spider-Man moniker or face the legal repercussions of the actual trademark holders, the Beyond Corporation. Unfortunately, things aren’t going much better for Peter, who was told he has no choice but to let Reilly be Spider-Man, to – as they consider him the only web-slinger.

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In the Amazing Spider-Man #75 by Zeb Wells, Patrick Gleason, Mario Menyz, VC’s Joe Caramagna, Peter Parker learned that Ben Reilly is suiting up as Spider-Man again. However, when he conversed with his clone, Reilly revealed the Beyond Corporation gave him vast resources to become the new web-slinger. The biggest surprise from their conversations was Reilly informing Peter he no longer owned the trademark to Spider-Man as Otto Octavius previously trademarked the name during his time as Superior Spider-Man – which was sold with Parker Industries. Reilly even asked for the original Spider-Man to step aside, which Peter rebuffed. Reilly tells him that with or without his blessing, he’s going to be Spider-Man. The Beyond Corporation also revealed as far as their concerned, there’s only one Spider-Man.

It turns out Miles Morales is also facing challenges with using the Spider-Man name and likeness. In Miles Morales: Spider-Man #32 by Saladin Ahmed, Christopher Allen, Guru-eFX, and VC’s Cory Petit, the web-slinger is greeted by representatives from the Beyond Corporation. He’s served papers while being told his client is enforcing his trademark and that he is violating a legally owned trademark by using the Spider-Man name and likeness. Miles is left stunned after being told he can’t legally be Spider-Man anymore.

Superhero trademarks – specifically Spider-Man’s – have played key parts in Marvel Comics stories before. In Ultimate Spider-Man by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, the Kingpin made a similar move to the Beyond Corporation and purchased Spider-Man’s likeness and trademark. In this case, the Beyond Corporation is trying to ensure that all heroes named Spider-Man aren’t using their trademark. It will be fascinating to see if Miles listens and if he temporarily uses another name until the legal challenge is over.

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The Beyond Corporation has flexed their legal muscles on both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, but it remains unlikely either gives up the name without a fight. Thus, it seems a legal battle is about to begin in the Marvel Universe. Thankfully, both Spider-Man heroes have several friends who would likely help them if needed as they take on the Beyond Corporation. The fight for Spider-Man’s legal trademark is well underway in Marvel Comics. Who will come out on top?

 

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Liam McGuire
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Lead writer for Screen Rant’s comic team. [email protected]. Find me on Twitter @LiamRMcGuire for comic news and reporting.

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