TMZ has learned that The Weeknd is being sued for using his alter ego "Starboy" in a comic book. The lawsuit comes from comic book writer Eymun Talasazan, who alleges that he had created a comic book universe four years ago that "revolved around R&B and rap stars." In 2017, Talasazan approached Abel Tesfaye's team about incorporating "Starboy" into his work following the release of the 2016 lead single from his third studio album of the same name. Around that time, Eymun claims he filed a trademark for a comic book hero version of "Starboy."
Talasazan's lawyer, Kirk Schenck, toldTMZ: "We are not sure why Marvel and/or The Weeknd's representatives failed to file any trademark application for the use of Starboy for comic books and film/tv projects. If they really intended to use this word to identify goods or services in the comic book or film/tv classifications, they certainly should have."
Earlier this year, Tesfaye debuted his own Starboy comic book in association with Marvel. Abel's lawyers filed an opposition to Talasazan's trademark, alleging that he incorporated comic books into his trademark 11 days after the Starboy comic book was announced.
Eymun claims the Starboy comic book contains a "near identical premise" to the idea that he discussed with Tesfaye's team in 2017, adding that he started collaborating with Stan Lee the year before on a story arc and additional characters for his own Starboy universe.
Talasazan is suing for trademark infringement. He wants all copies of the singer's comic book recalled, impounded and destroyed.
The Weeknd and Marvel presents : STARBOY... comic book coming soon. I’ll be signing autographs in the Marvel Booth @ 2:30 #NYCC pic.twitter.com/gzblm3COOL
