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Additionally, the case highlights how large corporations might not always perform thorough searches for adult or fringe content that could influence branding. Trademark law requires such diligent searches, and experts argue that the Marvel team very likely knew about the parody well before launching their hero.
Disney’s GrowingPains and Public Backlash
The Iron Heart revelation is just one piece of a larger puzzle troubling Disney and Marvel’s recent years, where missteps, controversies, and odd decisions have made headlines. Notably, Marvel’s move toward diversifying its characters in 2016—creating new versions of iconic heroes like Riri Williams (who becomes Iron Heart)—was met with mixed reactions, some praising inclusion and others criticizing perceived pandering.