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Stan Lee’s new ‘Comic Con’ could impact lawsuit against Salt Lake Comic Con

Posted at 3:40 PM, Sep 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-28 17:42:55-04

SALT LAKE CITY -- Comic book icon Stan Lee may have inadvertently given Salt Lake Comic Con organizers super powers in its legal battle with San Diego Comic-Con.

The creator of Marvel comics including the Avengers, Spider-Man and the X-Men announced on Tuesday at a news conference that he is re-branding his "Comickaze" event as "Stan Lee's Los Angeles Comic Con."

The term "comic con" is the subject of litigation. San Diego Comic-Con filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Salt Lake Comic Con organizers. When contacted by FOX 13 on Wednesday, Salt Lake Comic Con organizers had already taken note of the potential impact Lee's announcement may have on the lawsuit.

Lou Ferrigno , Diana Terranova, Stan Lee and Salt Lake Comic Con Founder Dan Farr at the 2013 Salt Lake Comic Con.

Lou Ferrigno , Diana Terranova, Stan Lee and Salt Lake Comic Con Founder Dan Farr at the 2013 Salt Lake Comic Con.

"This is further validation that the general public and the industry believe 'comic con' is generic," said Bryan Brandenburg, one of the organizers of Salt Lake Comic Con.

The lawsuit between the two comic cons has been near settlement for months now, but court records show a judge has put it on hold.

"Right now, officially, the case is stayed and we're not in settlement discussions, but we're not proceeding towards trial," Brandenburg told FOX 13. "I can't tell you why."