Search form

Marvel/Sony win Spider-Man suit

On Monday, April 19, a judge ruled thatViacom's claim to the rights to TV distribution of a film based on Marvel'scomic book character Spider-man is without contractual basis. This ruling,unless it is appealed, should finally clear the way for a major Spider-Manfilm. The Spider-man property had been tangled in court for many yearsbecause several companies claimed to possess various controlling rights.Sources close to the law suit say that the six companies involved in thefive year dispute - Sony, Marvel, Viacom, MGM, 21st Century, and Carolco -have racked up legal fees in excess of $15 million. (AF 4/6/99)