Stan Lee Sues Marvel--And Wins!

[Pariah]

I hope Steve Ditko (if still alive) gets in on this action...

Marvel Ordered to Pay Spider-Man Creator




NEW YORK (Reuters) - [size=-1]A federal judge has ordered Marvel Enterprises Inc. to pay the creator of the comic book character Spider-Man 10 percent of Marvel's profits from the "Spider-Man" movies, Marvel said on Wednesday. [/size]

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Marvel, a comic book publisher that licenses its characters, said the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered it to pay Spider-Man creator Stan Lee a share of proceeds it has received since November 1998 from movies, television shows and movie-related toys manufactured by Marvel.



"Spider-Man," released by Sony in 2002, was one of the top worldwide box office hits of all time.



Marvel said it would appeal the ruling. It said it does not expect the decision to have an impact on financial forecasts for 2004 and beyond.



Marvel said the court rejected a claim by Lee, who is now chief creative officer for POW! Entertainment, to share in proceeds from third-party licensees of movie-related merchandise.



The court left unresolved Lee's claim that he is entitled to a share of profits from Marvel's joint venture with Sony Corp (news - web sites). related to Spider-Man movie merchandise and to a share of Marvel's international profits from the Hulk movie merchandise licensing program with Universal Studios.



Those claims will be heard in a forthcoming jury trial, Marvel said.



Marvel shares fell 48 cents to $17.75.



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[Pariah]

Lemme give a shout out to the homey who fixed my title, yo. Props.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Lemme give a shout out to the homey who fixed my title, yo. Props.

BIM. 'Nuff said. Where's my no-prize?!



Big props to Stan-the-Man for gettin' paid.

 

[Brown_Blood]

I'm stoked for Stan Lee. He deserves it. After all, he brought us the greatest super-hero there is, he should get paid for it!

 

[Djaughe]

Wow...nothing like a lawsuit to cut the 60 year relationship between Lee and Marvel!

 

[Brown_Blood]

Wow...nothing like a lawsuit to cut the 60 year relationship between Lee and Marvel!

I think the relationship has been pretty well severed for a while now.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Marvel and Stan Lee Settle All Litigation
Source: Marvel Enterprises
April 28, 2005

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. announced today that it has settled all pending litigation with Stan Lee. The settlement agreement covers the lawsuit filed by Mr. Lee in November 2002 in which Mr. Lee claimed entitlement, under an agreement with Marvel, to a participation in Marvel's profits from various sources, including the Spider-Man movies and other film and television productions that utilize Marvel characters. The settlement covers Mr. Lee's participation claim for both past and any potential future payments. Specific terms of the settlement agreement were not disclosed.

John Turitzin, Marvel's General Counsel, said, "Stan is one of the founders of today's comic book industry. We are pleased with the settlement and are happy to have resolved all of our disputes with him."

Eric Green of Resolutions, LLC mediated the settlement.