October 2, 2015 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News
D-3
Business
Pow! Batmobile reproductions stall for local business following court ruling Kim Harris Managing Editor Much like the Joker’s evil plans were always foiled by Batman, a Temecula mechanic has been stopped in his tracks from making replicas of the Batmobile, thanks to the ruling of a set of judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit of Appeals last week. The panel of three judges upheld a 2011 lower court ruling that the Batmobile was protected by a copyright held by DC Comics last week. Mark Towle, owner of Gotham Garage in Temecula who makes replicas of the cars will no longer be able to produce the popular vehicles that sold for about $90,000 apiece. In the decision, authored by 9th Circuit Judge Sandra Ikuta wrote that DC Comics owned the copyright to the machine which first appeared in the Batman comic books as the caped-crusader’s primary mode of transportation beginning in 1941. “We are asked to decide whether defendant Mark Towle infringed DC Comics’ exclusive rights un-
der a copyright when he built and sold replicas of the Batmobile, as it appeared in the 1966 television show Batman and the 1989 film ‘Batman,’” wrote Ikuta. “Holy copyright law, Batman!” Ikuta went on to opine that DC Comics is the publisher and owner of the comic books featuring the “world famous character,” Batman. “Since his first comic book appearance in 1939, the Caped Crusader has protected Gotham City from villains with the help of his sidekick Robin the Boy Wonder, his utility belt, and of course, the Batmobile,” she wrote. While Towle has not yet responded to an interview requests, the specialty auto builder’s website www.gothamgarage.net no longer features photos of the creations. Towle’s attorney, Larry Zerner, expressed disappointment in the ruling saying the law specifically states that automobile designs are not subject to copyright. “My client just sells cars,” Zerner said. “The car is not a character. The car is a car.” In the ruling, Ikuta wrote that DC proved it owns a copyright in
the Batmobile as it appeared in the 1966 television series and the 1989 movie starring Michael Keaton. “To the Batmobile!” she wrote. According the decision, Towle produces replicas of the Batmobile as it appeared in both the 1966 television show and 1989 motion picture as part of his business at Gotham Garage, where he manufactures and sells replicas of automobiles featured in motion pictures or television programs. “Towle concedes that these replicas copy the designs of the Batmobile as depicted on television and in the motion picture, though they do not copy every feature. Towle then sells these vehicles for approximately $90,000 to ‘avid car collectors’ who ‘know the entire history of the Batmobile.’” Towle also sold kits that allow customers to modify their cars to look like the Batmobile, as it appeared in the 1966 television show starring Adam West and the 1989 motion picture, starring Michael Keaton. According to the court documents, prior to the 2011 lawsuit, Towel “advertised each replica as
the Batmobile, and used the domain name batmobilereplicas.com to market his business. He also advertised that the replicas included such features as ‘custom bat insignias, wheel bats, [and a] bat steering wheel,’ and would attract attention due to the fame of the Batmobile.” “By his own admission, Towle is not authorized by DC to manufacture or sell any products bearing DC’s copyright or trademark,” Ikuta wrote. In the opinion Ikuta wrote that the Batmobile has consistent character traits and attributes. “No matter its specific physical appearance, the Batmobile is a ‘crime-fighting’ car with sleek and powerful characteristics that allow Batman to maneuver quickly while he fights villains,” she wrote. According to the court ruling, Towle did not contest that the replicas copied the 1966 and 1989
Batmobiles, but rather that his main argument was focused on DC not owning “ copyright interest in the 1966 and 1989 productions” and therefore had no standing to pursue its copyright infringement claim. Whether or not DC created the character of Batman was never disputed and various licenses it has entered into over the years did not transfer its underlying property rights, Ikuta wrote. “Having established that the Batmobile character is entitled to copyright protection, and that DC owns a copyright to this character as it appears in the 1966 television series and 1989 motion picture, we conclude that Towle infringed upon these copyrights when he produced replicas of the Batmobile,” she wrote. To comment on this story online visit www.myvalleynews.com.
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VALLEY
NEWS
chamber update Events and News from your Local Chamber of Commerces - Check Chamber websites for updates & more detailed information Attention Business Owners: This section is intended to provide you with a single location for all the local Chambers of Commerce monthly events. This will be printed the last week of the month for the upcoming month’s events. It will also list all the new Chamber members from the previous month and a message from each Chamber President/Chairperson. Please contact your Valley News Hometown Sales Rep for advertising opportunities on this page.
Temecula Valley
Lake Elsinore Valley
CHAmBeR of CommeRCe October Events: Oct 8 Oct 9 Oct 9 Oct 15 Oct 15 Oct 15 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 20 Oct 21 Oct 23 Oct 28
2pm. AIG Financial Network Ribbon Cutting at AIG Financial Network. 9am-11am. Professional Development Series- Women in Business at Temecula Valley Entrepreneurs Exchange. 5:3pm-10pm. Glow Ball Golf Tournament at Temecula Creek Inn. 7:30am-10am. Legislative Summit at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. 9am-11am. SBDC Seminar- Federal/ State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar at Temecula Valley Entrepreneur\’s Exchange. 4pm. Academy Mortgage Ribbon Cutting at Academy Mortgage Corporation. 10am. Christian Handyman Ribbon Cutting. 12pm-1pm. Southwest California Legislative Council from at Mt. San Jacinto Community College. 5:30pm. Temecool Computer Repair Ribbon Cutting at “The Merc” at the Temecula Community Theater. 5pm-8pm. Business & Health Showcase in the vacant portion of Macys’ Men Children Home. 9am-11am. Professional Development Series- Women in Business at Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange. 7:30am-9:30am. Morning Mixer at BJ’s Restaurant.
New Members: • AARD Spring and Stamping - Polycraft Label mfg. • ACme Administrators, Inc. • Am Interiors • Avon • Beacon medical • CNN mortgage • Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Juliet Grossman • Creamistry • Crossfit Incinerator • Crowning Glory Productions • freeman Property management, Inc. • HC2 Strategies, Inc. • Infinium HR Group • Intazza Coffee • Jack in the Box • mark Blackwell + Associates • master Plan entertainment • RmS Physical Therapy • South Pacific financial Corporation • Temecula Titans American Youth football • Times Square Pizza & Bagels • Top Level Realty • Total freedom Business Coaching • TruNorth marketing & Consulting Services • Tzine • U-Haul Company of oceanside • Vivint Solar
Presidents Message: The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is actively engaged in promoting and sustaining a business friendly environment in which businesses grow and thrive. The mission of the TVCC is to give our members direct access to business and community leaders who share their economic, civic and social concerns. The Chamber unites the efforts of business, industrial and professional individuals to ensure an enhanced business climate, harnessing the tremendous potential of the private enterprise system and enabling its members to accomplish collectively what no one could do individually. – Alice Sullivan, President/CEO
President’s Message: Our mission is to pursue excellence and economic growth in the lake Elsinore Valley through leadership and community partnerships, by acting as a catalyst for an innovative business environment, representing the interest of business before government and enhancing the vitality of the community we serve through Economic Development. The purpose is not to make a profit in dollars and cents, but rather to profit its members through an improved market that allows our ultimate goal to make Lake Elsinore a great place to do business. 132 West Graham Avenue, Lake elsinore, CA 92530 (951) 245-8848 www.lakeelsinorechamber.com
Wildomar
CHAmBeR of CommeRCe October Events:
Canyon Lake
Oct 7
October Events:
Oct 8
CHAmBeR of CommeRCe
Oct 24 Oct 24
7pm. Movie in the Park and Tile Painting, Marna O’brien Park, 20505 Palomar St., Wildomar, CA 92595. 6pm. State of the City Address by Mayor Ben Benoit, Wildomar City Hall, 23873 Clinton Keith Rd, Suite 201, Wildomar, CA 92595. 5:30-7pm. Networking Mixer hosted by Guild Mortgage, 23873 Clinton Keith Rd. Suite 109-110. Wildomar, CA 92595. 1pm. Ribbon Cutting for Angeles Home Care, 32650 Wesley St., Wildomar, CA 92595. Trunk or Treat, Marna O’brien Park, 20505 Palomar Street, Wildomar CA.
Oct 8 Oct 9 Oct 9 Oct 13
Oct 13 Oct 14 Oct 15 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 20
Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 27 Oct 28 Oct 29
New Members:
25125 madison Avenue, Suite 108, murrieta, CA 92562 (951) 677-7916 | pellis @murrietachamber.org www.murrietachamber.org
Menifee
CHAmBeR of CommeRCe
President’s Message:
Oct 6
33751 Mission Trail Road, P.O. Box 855, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 245-0437 | admin@wildomarchamber.org www.wildomarchamber.org
5:30pm. First Thursday Mixer! Hosted by: Q 103.3 iHeart Media, 27349 Jefferson Avenue, Ste. 116, Temecula, Ca 92590. 1pm. Ribbon Cutting, Tiny Imprints at the Murrieta Chamber office. 11:30am. Government Relations Meeting at the Chamber Office. 12pm. Murrieta Lunch with Friends. Applebees, 24872 Madison Ave. 5:30pm. Discover Ireland Info Meeting. The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery, 39252 Winchester Road, Ste 143-145, Murrieta. 7:30am. Networking Breakfast. The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery! 39252 Winchester Road, Ste 143-145 Murrieta. Must RSVP. 1pm. Ribbon Cutting, Maxx Pizza Company, 41539 Kalmia St. 12pm. One year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting, Elias Shoes, 25125 Madison Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562. 4pm. Ribbon Cutting. ONEHOPE Wines At the Chamber office. 9am. Murrieta School of Business. Topic: Drive Traffic to your website and turn viewers to customers! Presented by: Peter Schlemmer, Peter Schlemmer Productions At the Chamber Office. 12pm. Ribbon Cutting. Hawk Ranch, 42149 Elm St., Murrieta. 12pm. Murrieta Lunch with Friends. ACES Comedy Club, 39745 Avenida Acacias Suite B, Murrieta, CA 92563 4pm. Ribbon Cutting. Academy Mortgage Corporation, 43471 Ridge Park Dr. Suite C, Temecula, CA 92590. 8:30am. Power Partners Coffee, Rivoli Deli and Coffee, 24520 Village Walk Pl., Murrieta, CA 92562. 12pm. Southwest Legislative Council Meeting. 9am. Murrieta School of Business. Topic: “Eliminating Organizational Waste & Creating Greater Value for your Organization” Presented by Joseph Mignone At the Chamber Office. 12pm. Murrieta Lunch with Friends, Juice It UP! Village Walk, 24530 Village Walk Plaza, Ste. A, Murrieta, CA 92562. 12pm. Re-Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Planet Beach, 40250 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd #112, Murrieta CA 92563. 12pm. Ribbon Cutting (1 year Anniversary at their location) Bellas Pizza Villa, 39621 Los Alamos Rd., Murrieta, CA 92563. 8:30am. Coffee with the City At Murrieta Chamber Office. 3pm. Golf Networking At the Golf Club at Rancho California, 39500 Robert Trent Jones Pkwy., Murrieta, CA 92563. 12pm. Murrieta Lunch With Friends, Farmstead Market, 41516 Kalmia, Murrieta, CA 92562. 12pm. Ribbon Cutting, Forever Florals, 24619 Washington Ave. #104, Murrieta.
• Vonage • Vivint Solar • my Smart House • Brian Allred, financial Services Professional • Hawk Ranch • Timmy D Productions • Hands of Zen • It Works! (That Crazy Wrap Thing) • Skybox Grill and Tavern • Craveyon CloudWines • Ion Technology Services • BBVA Compass • Bangles N Bobbles • el’s Troupe • Nurture enhances Nature • Reata Ranch • CJ Wilson KTm motorcycles of murrieta • Bellas Pizza Villa • New American funding • SoCal Rewards • All events and Party Rentals, Inc. • Benny’s Place • Primary Residential mortgage, Inc. • Barons market • elisa DeCristo Travel, Cruise one Siemens & Associates • 42 Tardis Way, Inc. DBA Temecool Computer Repair • Silva and Sons Insurance Services, Inc.
Oct 2 Oct 3
31658 Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake, CA 92587 (951) 244-6124 | canyonlakechamber@outlook.com www.canyonlakechamber.org
President’s Message:
Oct 8
• Heritage Crossings by Griffin Residential • Subway • LiDoServ • Angeles Home Care • Barbara Winchell
Join us for our 5th Annual Oktoberfest in the Canyon Lake Towne Center on Saturday October 3, 2015 from 5-9pm. Featuring food, drinks, live entertainment, bounce house, vendors and more. Also Parade of Frights on Saturday, October 24th from 9am12:30pm Trick or Treat at participating businesses in the Towne Center using the” treasure map” to find candy. Carnival booths with games and prizes. Support your local community!
New Members:
Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 7
New Members:
Why Join the Wildomar Chamber? Chamber membership provides your company with: Connections to business prospects, opportunities and relationships through multiple networking programs throughout the year. Visibility and exposure for your business through print, social media and online presence. Access to elected city officials and information about laws from our legislative council. Marketing to maximize your dollars and reach our local business community! At every level of membership you will continue to receive a package of benefits including: Business Referrals, Presence on the Chamber website Publications, Networking Opportunities, Marketing Services. Chamber membership is your link to the people, programs and information you need to increase your organization’s visibility and grow your business. – Sandra Tordoff
• Derek B. Hauser DDS • Kat’s Toys LLC • Premier Party & Tent Rentals • Quality Credit.org
October Events: Oct 1
New Members: • Glass Doctor of SWRC • Law office of f.m. Douglas
Oct 3
5-9pm. 5th Annual Oktoberfest, Canyon Lake Towne Center. Music, Beer, Food, Bounce House, Vendors, Total Family Fun, Oct 14 11:30am-12:30pm. $7 Chamber Luncheon, Canyon Lake City Hal. Guest speaker Jack Kantola speaking about Exit Strategies. RSVP TODAY, SEATING IS LIMITED. Oct 24 9am-12:30pm. Parade of Frights, Canyon Lake Towne Center. Use the” treasure map” to Trick or Treat at participating businesses passing out candy carnival booths with games and prizes. Close to 1000 families participate. Oct 28 5:30-7pm. Monthly Chamber Mixer hosted by Bombshells Clothing Store, 31568 Railroad Canyon Rd. Canyon Lake. Oct 4,11,18,25 9am-1pm. Year-round Sundays Canyon Lake Farmers Market. Open air market in the upper parking lot of the Canyon Lake Towne Center featuring food, unique Artisan’s and more.
CHAmBeR of CommeRCe
October Events: 10am. Elsinore Valley Pregnancy Resource Center Presents: Walk for Life, Machado Park. Oct 3 10:30am. Tractor Supply Company Ribbon Cutting, Tractor Supply Company. Oct 7 12pm-1pm. Lunch & Learn: Computer Security & Backup, Presented By Roy Peters With Compufix, LLC. Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant. Oct 9 12pm-1:30pm. Lake Elsinore Nooner, El Ranchito Taco Shop. Oct 10, 11 9am. American Cancer Society Relay For Life Presents: Relay for Life of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake Middle School. Oct 10, 11 Lucas Oil Regional’s, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park. Oct 14 8:30am-9:30am. Hump Day Morning Mixer, Lake Elsinore Casino Restaurant. Oct 15 11:30am-1:30pm. EWDC Luncheon-Franchise Workshop, Reservations Are Required - Diamond Club. Oct 15 4:30pm-6pm. Mayor Steve Manos Presents the State of Our City Address. PINS’N POCKETS. Oct 18 7 am. 17th Annual Susan G. Komen Inland Empire: RACE FOR THE CURE, Storm Stadium. Oct 20 11:30am-1:30pm. Student of the Month, Lakeside High School. Oct 24 5pm-9pm. City of Lake Elsinore Presents: Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular, Lake Community Center. Oct 24, 25 Lucas Oil Nationals, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park. Oct 31 5:30pm-7:30pm. Fangtastic Halloween Event. Lake Elsinore Outlets. Oct 3
26790 Ynez Courte, Suite A, Temecula, CA 92591 (951) 676-5090 www.temecula.org
Oct 3
Murrieta
CHAmBeR of CommeRCe
October Events:
Oct 7 Oct 9 Oct 14 Oct 14 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 21 Oct 22
2:30pm. North Golf Course Inc. 40th Birthday Bash. 11am. So Cancer Can’t Attack luncheon, Sun City Civic Association. 9am. SBDC - Training how to bid for (and win) Government Contracts. 29737 New Hub Dr, Suite 201, Menifee. 6pm. Menifee City Council 7pm. Mayor’s Ball, Menifee Lakes Country Club. A magical evening of enchantment. RSVP to 951-381-0444. 8:15am. Student of the Month. Sizzler, 91 W Nuevo Rd, Perris. 5:30pm-7pm. Mixer at French Valley Cafe, 37600 Sky Canyon Dr, Murrieta. Family Photo Shoot, Sun City Library. Mardi Gras Fashion Show, Sun City Civic Center, 26850 Sun City Blvd, Sun City. 11am-7pm. Oktoberfest at Wikerd Farm. 6pm. Menifee City Council. 12pm. Laptop Lunch Series, Raxter Law.
29737 New Hub Drive, Suite 102, menifee, CA 92586 (951) 672-1991 | ceo@menifeevalleychamber.org www.menifeevalleychamber.com