In a bit of good news, it appears Marvel and the Steve Ditko estate have reached an amicable settlement after Marvel filed multiple lawsuits in response to copyright termination notices from Larry Lieber and the estates of Gene Colan, Steve Ditko, Don Heck, and Don Rico.
Thanks to U.S. Copyright Law, authors or their heirs have the ability to gain back copyrights after a certain period. It doesn’t cover works made for hire, which has been Marvel’s primary argument in these matters. Considering how important Ditko was to the creation of so many characters and stories–hell, he’s a Marvel Visionary, after all–it’s nice to know the matter is settled.
While all the characters included in the lawsuit were settled back in June (including Black Widow, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America), the last remaining dispute involved Doctor Strange and Spider-Man.
Considering there is an amicable deal in place, the Ditko estate likely came away with some funds, though that information hasn’t been given.
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