Warner Bros. Discovery is suing Midjourney for unauthorized use of Superman, Batman, and Scooby-Doo. But the case is bigger than one superhero — it’s a showdown between Hollywood and AI, and it raises a key question: what happens when Superman’s copyright runs out?

We explore what this case means for copyright and trademark protections in the age of generative AI — and why it matters for creators, brands, and the future of storytelling.

In this episode of The Double Helix, Abbi Press breaks down:

* Why Superman’s 1938 comics won’t enter the public domain until 2034

* The difference between copyright (expires) and trademark (lasts indefinitely)

* How Disney’s handling of Steamboat Willie shows what’s coming

* Why AI isn’t just a speeding bullet — it’s copyright kryptonite

Bottom line: copyright has a timer, but trademarks don’t — and in the AI era, that difference matters more than ever.

Chapters

00:00 Superman’s Legal Battle with AI

00:21 Welcome to The Double Helix

01:10 The Copyright Conundrum

02:09 Understanding Copyright vs. Trademark

03:05 Case Study: Mickey Mouse

03:33 The Impact of AI on IP

03:53 Final Thoughts + Call to Action

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