According to the Hollywood Reporter, Marvel resolves conflict regarding Spider-Man and Doctor Strange ownership.
Marvel and the estate of Steve Ditko has struck an agreement in their legal dispute over the rights to Spider-Man and Doctor Strange characters. On Wednesday, attorneys for both sides informed the court of the peaceful settlement, with a stipulation of dismissal with prejudice scheduled to be submitted in the following weeks.
Marvel resolves conflict regarding Spider-Man and Doctor Strange ownership:
In 2021, Marvel replied to copyright termination notifications from Larry Lieber and the estates of Gene Colan, Steve Ditko, Don Heck, and Don Rico. Lawsuits were made against Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Hulk, and Thor, among others.
All except one of the issues had been resolved by June of that year.
The final point of contention involved the heirs of Steve Ditko, co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. The termination letter from Ditko’s estate sought to restore rights to publications such as Amazing Fantasy (where Spider-Man first appeared in 1962) and Strange Tales (where Doctor Strange first appeared in 1963).
The warnings also mentioned “any character, story element, or indicia reasonably associated with the Works.”
Marvel, represented by O’Melveny’s Dan Petrocelli and Molly Lens, and Patrick Ditko, represented by Marc Toberoff, participated in discussions that resulted in a settlement. Neither party has replied to inquiries about the deal.
