Stan was responsible for a lot of my childhood joy so I'm glad for him
I'm glad Marvel is making money for the same reason I'm glad Stan is getting his...but I'm annoyed they're suing the only online role playing game I was ever tempted to subscribe to, largely because it's a selfish and silly lawsuit.
Anyway...
Marvel Told to Pay Stan Lee 10% of Profits From Recent Films
Creator of Spider-Man could be entitled to tens of millions of dollars. The clash continues over merchandising deals.
By Lorenza Muñoz
Times Staff Writer
January 20, 2005
Caught in a sticky legal web, Marvel Enterprises Inc. was told it owes comic book icon Stan Lee 10% of the profit it has received since November 1998 for films based on Spider-Man and other superheroes Lee created.
The 82-year-old Lee could be entitled to tens of millions of dollars, considering the blockbuster success of the movies "Spider-Man" and "Spider-Man 2," said his attorney, Howard Graff. "This is a sweeping victory for Mr. Lee."
Marvel will appeal the ruling and "continue to contest vigorously the claims on which the court did not rule," said John Turitzin, the company's general counsel.
One of those claims involves whether Lee is entitled to a piece of the money made from merchandising deals with Sony Corp. for "Spider-Man" and with Universal Studios for "Hulk," Marvel said. Lee contends that he should have shared in those profits.
Lee began working for Marvel in 1939 and was one of the company's most prolific creators, also creating such characters as X-Men, Daredevil and the Fantastic Four. A Los Angeles resident, Lee is Marvel's chairman emeritus.
"I am gratified by the judge's decision, although, since I am deeply fond of Marvel and the people there, I sincerely regret that the situation had to come to this," he said in a statement Wednesday.
