Court rules making your own Batmobile violates copyright — UPDATED
We've mentioned a few times here a lawsuit for copyright infringement by DC against an outfit called Gotham Garage, which sells replica Batmobiles—based on the '60s Batman TV show in particular—as well as other vehicles based on famed fantasy cars, like the Mach Five. If you were thinking of buying one, better hurry, because a judge has ruled that the Batmobile is subject to copyright.
Continue ReadingGaiman: “Every time I would run into Todd in a courtroom he looked a little more sad.”
Neil Gaiman took his victory lap after the settlement in his lawsuit against Todd McFarlane with comments to the Washington Post's Michael Cavna, talking about the copyright precedents set by all the various rulings over the years.
Continue ReadingAnd so it ends: Gaiman and McFarlane finally settle epic Spawn lawsuit
An epic battle of two of comicdom's most successful figures that lasted more than 10 years has ended, not even with a whimper but a settlement, as Neil Gaiman and Todd McFarlane have at long last agreed on how to share the rights to characters and stories Gaiman created for McFarlane's Spawn comic.
Continue ReadingThe Curse of Santayana
Once again, a creator loses a copyright battle against a major comics publisher with a major motion picture soon to screen. The artist is living in poverty, has health problems, and is forgotten by the general public. Sound familiar? Read on... it gets worse.
Continue ReadingJudge to Archie co-publisher: “Stay away!”
The ugly legal battle between Archie Comics co-CEO's Jon Goldwater and Nancy Silberkleit has escalated in recent weeks with new legal filings. And now a judge has banned Silberkleit from going anywhere near Archie's offices or contacting any of the employees.
Continue ReadingMarvel prevails in Ghost Rider ownership dispute
Marvel has won a four-year legal battle over who owns the rights to Ghost Rider. On Wednesday a judge rejected the claim by writer Gary Friedrich, who co-created the character in 1972's MARVEL SPOTLIGHT #5 along with Roy Thomas and Mike Ploog.
Continue ReadingBoth Marvel and DC support SOPA, the onerous anti-piracy act
Stopping digital piracy has become a full-time obsession for most major entertainment companies; but the Stop Online Piracy Act now wending its way through Congress is probably not the way to do it -- a far too broad law that would give lawmakers powers to stop just about any activity they don't like via cutting off funding to the site and other zero tolerance measures. Although aimed at hard-to-stop foreign websites that recognize no copyright laws, opponents say the bill goes way too far in allowing copyright holders to choke off stuff they don't want with an arsenal of tools.
Continue ReadingDiary of a Wimpy Zombie Lawsuit
You've doubtless heard of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," the comics-ish series that started out as a web feature, become a best-selling book series and expanded into movies. You may not have heard of "Diary of a Zombie Kid" from Antarctic Press. Written by Fred Perry and drawn by David Hutchison, Zombie Kid has drawn attention from the Wimpy Kid lawyers.
Continue ReadingWar of the heirs rages at Archie Comics as Nancy Silberkleit’s school talks canceled
Oops, well just yesterday The Beat and Michael Sangiacomo were reporting that Archie Comics co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit was continuing to peacefully tell children about the joys of comics despite her past as the target of a sexual harassment lawsuit. However, it seems that a series of anonymous phone calls alerted school officials to Silberkleit's ongoing legal problems and the school visits were canceled. A comics shop appearance and the sale of comics to benefit the schools have gone on as planned. But there is much more than that going on.
Continue ReadingCharges dropped against Susie Cagle
Charges against cartoonist/journalist Susie Cagle for "being present at a raid" have been dropped, although not without a bit of drama:
Continue ReadingGareb Shamus Out At Wizard — The Actual SEC Filing
As of last Thursday, Gareb Shamus is no longer president/CEO of Wizard World, Inc. Being publicly traded, notice of this change had to be filed with the SEC. This includes the company's report:
Continue ReadingSteve Rude “Jail Update”
According to anew mailer, artist Steve Rude has been instructed by his lawyer not to talk about his case. However "He does want me to pass along his deepest gratitude. He really loves reading any mail that comes his way and words of encouragement to be strong." You'll recall that on the night of Halloween, Rude was arrested and charged with assault and violating a court order in a dispute with a neighbor. In happier news, the full color Rude 2012 Sketchbook is now available for presale. This weekend it's on sale for $20. Regular price of $25 goes into effect on Monday. All purchases get am exclusive presale print.
Continue ReadingMichael George sentenced to life in prison
Former comics retailer and convention runner Michael George was sentenced to life in prison today for the murder of his wife Barbara 21 years ago. The sentence was mandatory in Michigan, so there was little suspense. At the sentencing, George still protested his innocence. ""Something will be found,' he told the court. "Someone will come forward. I have never harmed a woman in my life. Let's not forget no one saw me there — no one."
Continue ReadingTaymor to Spidey producers: Turn on the lawsuit
Oh yeah, it's on. After being ousted from the directing chair of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, the troubled Broadway show about the webslinger, director Julie Taymor kept a tight smile at the opening of the show. However, now the gloves are off and she's suing the producers over her creative rights and unpaid royalties.
Continue ReadingCartoonists and the law: Susie Cagle arrested, charged with misdemeanor
Cartoonist Susie Cagle -- who was previously teargassed during another confrontation -- was arrested as part of the Occupy Oakland protest on Wednesday night. Cagle was not there as a protester, but as a reporter, covering the scene for Spot.us. According to Cagle's father, Cagle was arrested despite having a prominent press pass and the arresting officer actually knowing her and her work. After being held overnight at Santa Rita Jail, Cagle was released, and charged with the misdemeanor of "present at raid." On her twitter stream she mentions she's currently trying to retrieve her wallet and housekeys from the Oakland police.
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