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Valencia vs Batman: Valencia hits back after DC challenges use of bat symbol

Rishabh Gupta
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valencia dc comics

He’s a silent guardian, a watchful protector, a Dark Knight.. and most recently, a subject of a row between Valencia and DC Comics.

The row between Spanish club Valencia and United States’ publishing house DC Comics has resurfaced.

Valencia celebrated the 100 years of its existence as a football club earlier this month. During the celebrations, the club also released a centenary logo, which appears to have disgruntled DC Comics.

The publishing house has submitted a complaint to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in this regard.

But why is DC so upset?

Valencia-DC Comics row:

Valencia have been using ‘bat’ as a symbol in their logo since 1921, two years after the club was founded.

Bats are a common feature in the regions of Valencia and Catalonia, and thus, their presence in the club’s crest holds significance to the city.

However, the club seemed to have angered DC Comics with their centenary logo this time. DC created the famous superhero ‘Batman’ in 1939.

Valencia’s 100-year celebrations crest solely includes a large bat, almost resembling the sign of Batman. Under the logo is the year of the foundation of the club, the current year, and an infinity sign.

Replying to DC’s complaint to the EUIPO, a spokesperson of Valencia took a savage dig at the American publishing house.

“We are not going to stop using the bat because DC Comics says it,” the club’s spokesperson said.

“There is no commercial brand that has a worldwide exclusive on bats.”

“When this club played with a bat in the chest, in the United States they were chasing bison,” he added.

Five years ago, DC filed a similar complaint about the use of the bat in the club’s crest. However, no lawsuit was filed at that time.

Valencia’s centenary celebrations:

Talking to Standard Sport, the club’s president Anil Murthy stressed over the youth development at the club. He insisted that the club is on the right path.

“After finishing 12th and 12th in the league, we went to the Champions League last year, finishing fourth,” he said.

“Today, we are in the final of the Copa del Rey, we are still going strong in the Europe League and we are still aiming for the fourth place in La Liga, the last Champions League spot.

“Something we are doing, which is very important to the DNA of the club, is we are investing heavily in our academy.”

How Twitter reacted..

What next?

After a rather bullish reply, it will be interesting to see how DC Comics respond.

About the author

Rishabh Gupta

Rishabh Gupta

A sports enthusiast. Sports, I believe, is one of the few powers which help us grow, both as an individual and society. With each day, in the rich world of sports, I grow.

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