Marvel Settles Copyright: Marvel has successfully settled a legal dispute with another significant artist, as per court documents viewed by EW. Steve Ditko, a co-creator of iconic characters like Spider-Man and Doctor Strange alongside Stan Lee, passed away in 2018, and his heirs sought fair compensation for his contributions to the superhero legacy.
Patrick Ditko, as the executor of his father’s estate, initiated the move in 2021 to terminate and reclaim the valuable copyrights to these iconic characters, leveraging the Copyright Act for legal support. The Ditko estate, along with the estates of artists Don Heck, Gene Colan, and Don Rico, aimed to secure better recognition for their contributions.
Marvel, contending that Ditko and others worked under “work for hire” contracts, challenged these moves, asserting that the Copyright Act did not apply to their creations. While Marvel settled with the estates of Heck, Colan, and Rico, along with Larry Lieber, in June, the dispute with Ditko continued for a bit longer.
In a joint filing in Manhattan federal court this week, attorneys for Ditko and Marvel announced that they have “amicably resolved their dispute.” Marc Toberoff, Ditko’s lawyer, mentioned that the parties reached an “amicable resolution of this interesting case.” Marvel has not yet responded to EW’s request for comment.
This legal resolution echoes Marvel’s previous battle with the estate of Jack Kirby, another co-creator of iconic characters. The lawsuits, spanning from 2009 to 2014, were settled just before the Supreme Court’s potential involvement. While the financial terms weren’t disclosed, Marvel has prominently credited Kirby in films and TV shows featuring his characters released since.
Also read: Marvel Taps Michael Waldron to Craft Avengers’ Destiny”
Our Reader’s Queries
Does Marvel sue for copyright infringement?
In accordance with the Copyright Act, a creator has the ability to cancel a copyright assignment after many years in specific situations. Marvel filed a lawsuit against the artists responsible for writing and illustrating Marvel comics during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, when they attempted to terminate and regain control of the copyrights for numerous superheroes.
Who owns Marvel copyright?
The Walt Disney Company snagged Marvel Entertainment for a cool $4 billion in 2009, turning it from a limited liability company (LLC) to a part of their empire.
Which company if any owns Marvel?
Marvel Comics, a prominent American media and entertainment firm, stood out as one of the top two publishers in the comic industry. Its parent company, Marvel Entertainment, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Disney Company.
Is Marvel a copyright?
Marvel owns the rights to all its characters. While anyone can come up with their own superheroes, they are not allowed to release them as part of the Marvel universe.