Marvel/Sony win suit

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