It looks like Warner Bros. has scored yet another win in the long legal war over the copyrights for Superman.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal has handed down the decision that simply states that the heirs to Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel made a binding contract for the rights of the character way back in 2001. As a result of that contract, Warner Bros. is granted the rights to Superman.
In short, this essentially means that Superman and all respective Superman properties (Movies, Comics, Games, and TV shows) will continue to be released by Warner Bros. Not like anyone was really doubting the future of the popular DC character anyway.
Check out the official statement made by Warner Bros. below.
This is a great day for Superman, for his fans, for DC Entertainment and for Warner Bros. Today’s ruling vindicates DC Comics’ long-held position that it entered into a binding agreement with the Jerry Siegel family in 2001. The Court’s decision paves the way for the Siegel’s finally to receive the compensation they negotiated for and which DC has been prepared to pay for over a decade. We are extremely pleased that Superman’s adventures can continue to be enjoyed across all media platforms worldwide for generations to come.
So there you have it folks. The Siegel’s have lost their fight for the rights to Superman. Of course they can appeal again and take the case to the Supreme Court, but that seems very unlikely at this point.
Do you agree with the court’s decision or are the Siegel’s entitled to the rights to Superman? Comment below to share your thoughts.
again…lol
I know a lot of people who were actually really scared about this.
Unfortunately, that means that even if MOS does suck as I'm still somewhat expecting, they will have free reign to make a sequel.
Yeah I was thinking the same thing, but it probably wouldn't be worth sacrificing the whole character to prevent it.
<div class="idc-message" id="idc-comment-msg-div-541489882"><a class="idc-close" title="Click to Close Message" href="javascript: IDC.ui.close_message(541489882)"><span>Close Message</span> Comment posted. <p class="idc-nomargin"><a class="idc-share-facebook" target="_new" href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2 Fwww.comicbooked.com%2Fwarner-bros-wins-in-superman-copyright-case-again%2F#IDComment541489882&t=I%20just%20commented%20on%20Warner%20Bros.%20Wins%20in%20Superman%20Copyright%20Case…%20Again" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="idc-share-inner"><span>Share on Facebook</span></span> or <a href="javascript: IDC.ui.close_message(541489882)">Close MessageWell, what can you say? Hmm. Though I have to admit that a supreme court case dealing with superman would totally make my day.
Well, what can you say? Though I have to admit that a supreme court case regarding superman would totally make my day.
Warner Brothers bought the rights to Superman from the two creators way back in the day. From as far as I know, and I am not proficient on the subject, Warner Brothers has all the legal control of Superman in the first place. All I can see is some people who are trying to cash in on some of the Superman cut because they were related to the creators.
I can't help but laugh at the irony that a big money hungry corporation just cemented the rights to a character who is meant to be the peoples champion and stand up for the little guy by taking a family to court . Good job Warner Brothers….
For sure. As much as I would hate to be against the side of creator rights though, I just don't see what validates these people's ownership of the character.
So when's the next court date? Hahaha.