In arguably the most shocking news to jumpstart the week, Marvel and DC Comics will soon lose their joint trademark for the term “Superhero.”

For decades, Marvel and DC held exclusive rights to the term, allowing them to control its appearance in comic books, movies, merchandise, and marketing materials. This monopoly has been a key factor in shaping the superhero genre as we know it today,

A U.S. Trademark Office tribunal has canceled a set of "Super Hero" trademarks jointly owned by comic giants Marvel and DC at the request of a London-based comic book artist, according to a Thursday order.

Marvel and DC Comics have lost their long-held 'Super Hero' trademark exclusivity after decades of successfully defending it.

US Courts have stated that Marvel Comics and DC Comics have lost their joint-owned Super Hero trademark, after they were challenged.

As reported by Reuters, DC allegedly threated legal action and accused S.J. Richold, the author of comic series Superbabies, of infringing on its copyright. The Superbabies brand retaliated, however, saying in May that Marvel and DC can't "claim ownership over an entire genre."

Marvel and DC have jointly held the trademark for the word "superhero" since 1980, but no longer. The United States Patent and Trademark Office, in response to a petition from Superbabies, Limited, has canceled the trademark.