The mayor of Batman, Turkey, is suing Warner Bros. and The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan for using the Cape Crusader's name without the city's permission.
Variety reports Huseyin Kalkan, mayor of the predominantly Kurdish town located in the Batman province of Turkey on the Batman River, is preparing to file a series of charges against Nolan and Warner Bros. for royalties from the blockbuster film.
"There is only one Batman in the world," Kalkan said. "The American producers used the name of our city without informing us."
He also hopes to pin a number of unsolved murders along with the town's female suicide rate on the psychological impact the film's success had on Batman residence, the publication said. (Why so serious?) Kalkan claims to have evidence that will prove the city of Batman was founded before the 1939 debut of DC Comic's superhero by the same name.
Why the city is complaining now about its name being used for masked justice may have something to do with The Dark Knight having grossed over $994 million worldwide so far.
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Comments (34)
WTF is wrong with these mor... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Calvin | November 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Score: -2 (14 votes cast)
WTF is wrong with these morons? XD What a bunch of frickin' losers.
1. Posted by Calvin | November 13, 2008 1:03 PM |
Score: -2 (14 votes cast)
Posted on November 13, 2008 13:03
2. Posted by Calvin | November 13, 2008 1:06 PM | Score: -2 (14 votes cast)
All they want is money, those people need to jump off a cliff. XD
2. Posted by Calvin | November 13, 2008 1:06 PM |
Score: -2 (14 votes cast)
Posted on November 13, 2008 13:06
3. Posted by Beazle | November 13, 2008 3:02 PM | Score: 26 (32 votes cast)
Come on! This is hilarious stuff! I could see a comedy about this... Do you think their national anthem is "Nana nana nana nana BATMAN!"
3. Posted by Beazle | November 13, 2008 3:02 PM |
Score: 26 (32 votes cast)
Posted on November 13, 2008 15:02
4. Posted by Zach | November 13, 2008 4:14 PM | Score: 5 (13 votes cast)
Batman was a comic book character created in the 40's...why didn't those retards say anything then????
4. Posted by Zach | November 13, 2008 4:14 PM |
Score: 5 (13 votes cast)
Posted on November 13, 2008 16:14
5. Posted by Tom | November 13, 2008 5:40 PM | Score: 16 (24 votes cast)
The Butterball Company should sue THEM for Using the Name "Turkey".
Then again, they is what they is...
5. Posted by Tom | November 13, 2008 5:40 PM |
Score: 16 (24 votes cast)
Posted on November 13, 2008 17:40
6. Posted by Max Ikbal | November 13, 2008 8:13 PM | Score: 3 (7 votes cast)
I wonder why the female suicide rate is so high...? could it be the joker effect??
http://carlosxuma.myblogsite.com
6. Posted by Max Ikbal | November 13, 2008 8:13 PM |
Score: 3 (7 votes cast)
Posted on November 13, 2008 20:13
7. Posted by Xaos777 | November 13, 2008 9:42 PM | Score: 10 (16 votes cast)
Ha Ha! I was stationed in Turkey when we had an F-16 go down over Batman. I thought It was a joke at first. Besides wouldn't they have to sue D.C. Comics? They created the name and character? They have no room to complain anyway. I know for fact they have no copyright laws in Turkey. You can buy all kinds of bootleg movies and knock off clothing there.
7. Posted by Xaos777 | November 13, 2008 9:42 PM |
Score: 10 (16 votes cast)
Posted on November 13, 2008 21:42
8. Posted by don | November 14, 2008 7:51 AM | Score: 2 (6 votes cast)
think the mayor should spend tax payers money trying to solve the murder cases and/or increasing security...no wonder the women keep killing themselves...who wouldn`t with such a mayor
8. Posted by don | November 14, 2008 7:51 AM |
Score: 2 (6 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 07:51
9. Posted by Garth Henkins | November 14, 2008 9:49 AM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Absurd.
9. Posted by Garth Henkins | November 14, 2008 9:49 AM |
Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 09:49
10. Posted by Garth Henkins | November 14, 2008 9:51 AM | Score: 19 (25 votes cast)
We're really mad here in Penguin, LA.
10. Posted by Garth Henkins | November 14, 2008 9:51 AM |
Score: 19 (25 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 09:51
11. Posted by Desp eratetimesindeed | November 14, 2008 11:21 AM | Score: 13 (15 votes cast)
Mc Donald's, Hollywood and now frivolous lawsuit. Success, success! Turkey is now fully westernized.
Doink.
11. Posted by Desp eratetimesindeed | November 14, 2008 11:21 AM |
Score: 13 (15 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 11:21
12. Posted by Schmitty | November 14, 2008 11:30 AM | Score: 15 (17 votes cast)
We here in Austin are getting ready to go after Austin Powers for one billion dollars once we are done with Steve Austin, the Six Million Dollar Man...
12. Posted by Schmitty | November 14, 2008 11:30 AM |
Score: 15 (17 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 11:30
13. Posted by Debbie Pacheco | November 14, 2008 11:39 AM | Score: -2 (6 votes cast)
Kill the Batman
13. Posted by Debbie Pacheco | November 14, 2008 11:39 AM |
Score: -2 (6 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 11:39
14. Posted by Kim | November 14, 2008 12:15 PM | Score: 1 (7 votes cast)
That is just ridiculous. Doesn't this guy have anything better to do?! Money hungry loser. There are things named after places all the time and no one complains. Batman has been around forever and now someone has a problem with it? The suicide rate is probably up because of this guy not the movie! lol
14. Posted by Kim | November 14, 2008 12:15 PM |
Score: 1 (7 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 12:15
15. Posted by Chachi | November 14, 2008 12:34 PM | Score: 3 (9 votes cast)
Picture of Batman, Turkey
Sure, The town's unexplained murders, & female suicide rate is high due to the psychological impact of a comic book film, nothing else.
Huseyin Kalkan, you are a stupid asshole.
15. Posted by Chachi | November 14, 2008 12:34 PM |
Score: 3 (9 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 12:34
16. Posted by Brian | November 14, 2008 3:51 PM | Score: 3 (9 votes cast)
Are you INSANE?
First of all, they've been using that name since (I believe) the 50s and these idiots decide to say something NOW? Plus, I never heard anything dumb like that before! If I wanna name a superhero "Chicago Man", who the hell is gonna stop me?
ARGH! People get on my nerves.
16. Posted by Brian | November 14, 2008 3:51 PM |
Score: 3 (9 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 15:51
17. Posted by terry | November 14, 2008 4:26 PM | Score: -1 (9 votes cast)
I'd love for the joker to make that pencil disappear up the mayor's ass.......n y d f... now?! tryna make a quick buck
17. Posted by terry | November 14, 2008 4:26 PM |
Score: -1 (9 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 16:26
18. Posted by SweetMe | November 14, 2008 6:18 PM | Score: 2 (8 votes cast)
You have GOT to be kidding me...This one definitely takes the cake for most frivolous lawsuit ever. First of all, the city of Batman, I believe, is pronounced "BAHT-MAAN" (someone please correct me if I am wrong). Completely different. Also, maybe the animal kingdom should sue next...considering the character is named after an animal (rodent?), not a city...Just goes to show other countries are trying to profit from us because they can't profit on their own...
18. Posted by SweetMe | November 14, 2008 6:18 PM |
Score: 2 (8 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 18:18
19. Posted by Groan | November 14, 2008 6:51 PM | Score: -2 (10 votes cast)
Bats aren't rodents!
19. Posted by Groan | November 14, 2008 6:51 PM |
Score: -2 (10 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 18:51
20. Posted by Kathy O'Neill | November 14, 2008 6:53 PM | Score: 4 (8 votes cast)
I live in Chicago and worry the producers of the movie and play Chicago may come after us.
20. Posted by Kathy O'Neill | November 14, 2008 6:53 PM |
Score: 4 (8 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 18:53
21. Posted by reader | November 14, 2008 8:02 PM | Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Why do commenters keep saying the comic book hero is named after the town? The Caped Crusader is named for a bat and a man. "Batman" in Turkish does not have the same meaning. I think it translates to "frivolous lawsuit."
21. Posted by reader | November 14, 2008 8:02 PM |
Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 20:02
22. Posted by Chris C | November 14, 2008 10:09 PM | Score: -2 (6 votes cast)
He's in Turkey? Who really cares about a mayor in Turkey?! What happens if he wins? Warner Bros. laughs and ignores him.
22. Posted by Chris C | November 14, 2008 10:09 PM |
Score: -2 (6 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 22:09
23. Posted by Mooch | November 14, 2008 10:35 PM | Score: 1 (5 votes cast)
Holy cow Batman...This is freaking ridiculous.I cannot believe the crazy things people will do today to help themselves. This guy is nothing but a crazy,f'ed up thing that has no reason to live but to make other peoples lives miserable. ah misery does love company. Batman(the real one) should kick his ass.
23. Posted by Mooch | November 14, 2008 10:35 PM |
Score: 1 (5 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 22:35
24. Posted by Tara | November 14, 2008 11:42 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
I live in the town of Gotham ... I sue now!
And now lets watch the town of Batman have increasing suicide ratings on both genders over this whole fiasco - SAVE THEM BATMAN THEY HAVE A MORON AS THEIR MAYOR!
24. Posted by Tara | November 14, 2008 11:42 PM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on November 14, 2008 23:42
25. Posted by Joel | November 15, 2008 3:27 AM | Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
Greed knows no Bounds....
Batman has been out since before the 50's. Although this may not go as far back as the town does. The mayor has no copyrights to the town nor does the country. They can't Sue Because there town was also not the idea behind Batman. It is a man who dresses as a Bat. Idiots.Only after huge success at the Box office do the greedy politicians in that town sit up and say I want a piece of that action. Can't wait to see them lose.
25. Posted by Joel | November 15, 2008 3:27 AM |
Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
Posted on November 15, 2008 03:27
26. Posted by Carl | November 15, 2008 7:38 AM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
I was curious so I did a search on Google Earth. There are actually three places named Batman. Can't wait to see what happens with this one!
26. Posted by Carl | November 15, 2008 7:38 AM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on November 15, 2008 07:38
27. Posted by Bruce Wayne | November 15, 2008 10:21 AM | Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
I see a law suit pending against the people of the town in Turkey, or maybe even the country itself.
"Warner" cannot be held accountable for the actions of others. People are still resposible for their own actions, even though they may copy those portrayed in movies or comic books.
The Mayor in this city should study U.S. Copyright and Trademark laws as well as the laws regarding deformation of character before stating that any other entity is resposible for the actions of others taking place in this town.
As far as the "name"......unless the name has been properly listed as a trademark recognized by ALL government entities, you don't stand a chance with a lawsuit.
Look at my name for instance.
I was born in 1929.
27. Posted by Bruce Wayne | November 15, 2008 10:21 AM |
Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Posted on November 15, 2008 10:21
28. Posted by J_d_fckr | November 15, 2008 11:44 PM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
I was entertained by this news. At least this mayor gave us something to laugh at. Common guys, don't think this Batman mayor is moron and that he doesn't know his case has bearing at all. He knows for sure that it's absurd. It is just publicity folks and as I've said - THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT.
28. Posted by J_d_fckr | November 15, 2008 11:44 PM |
Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on November 15, 2008 23:44
29. Posted by Scott | November 16, 2008 12:35 AM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Hey Zach, Batman Turkey didn't exist until 1957, while Batman the comic was started in 1938-1939. Check out this link:
http://www.allaboutturkey.com/batman.htm
29. Posted by Scott | November 16, 2008 12:35 AM |
Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on November 16, 2008 00:35
30. Posted by Kenny | November 16, 2008 6:32 AM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Instead of complaining, the mayor dhould make his town a tourist attraction.
30. Posted by Kenny | November 16, 2008 6:32 AM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on November 16, 2008 06:32
31. Posted by Wayne | November 16, 2008 8:54 AM | Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
From http://www.turkeyforyou.com/travel_turkey_batman
"Like its unusual name, Batman promises an unusual vacation for you. "
They are capitalizing on the fact that they KNOW the name is "unusual."
short for the Bati Raman mountains
31. Posted by Wayne | November 16, 2008 8:54 AM |
Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on November 16, 2008 08:54
32. Posted by Strider | November 16, 2008 9:40 AM | Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
EPIC FAIL
32. Posted by Strider | November 16, 2008 9:40 AM |
Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on November 16, 2008 09:40
33. Posted by Jimmy Stern | November 16, 2008 11:40 PM | Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
guys, guys, cool it... he's just tryin to promote his town, the next thing you know google will have thousand hits on Turkey's Batman, I am sure he ain't that dumb tryin to sue, he is just screamin for attention, chill everyone, we all need a break
33. Posted by Jimmy Stern | November 16, 2008 11:40 PM |
Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on November 16, 2008 23:40
34. Posted by charles kafka | November 17, 2008 8:04 AM | Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
err. .
waht does "batman" mean in turkish? (or kurdish)?
34. Posted by charles kafka | November 17, 2008 8:04 AM |
Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on November 17, 2008 08:04