Disney is about to have one of those really bummer moments that I’m sure many of us have experienced in a new relationship. You work really hard to get that cute girl (or hot guy, if that’s what you’re into). Pick-up lines. Dinners. Movies. Flowers. The whole nine yards. And you do this thinking that the girl is perfect, no flaws, no baggage. You finally seal the deal, only to find out that she has a crazy ex-boyfriend who wants to sue you for all kissing and adult-tango rights.
According to the trusty NYTimes, Disney has hit the first of what I’m sure will be many roadblocks following their purchase of Marvel. Apparently the heirs of Jack Kirby, the popular comic artist who had a hand in the creation of X-Men and Fantastic Four, have sent copyright termination notices to Marvel, Disney, and the various other movie studios responsible for Marvel franchises. The heirs hope to gain rights as early as 2014.
Now here’s the really bad news for Disney. The heirs of Jack Kirby got smart and hired the Toberoff & Associates law firm to fight their battle, the same law firm that won the case to give partial rights of Superman back to the heirs of Jerry Siegal. And while Disney says that they considered copyright terminations like this prior to the acquisition, it’s hard not to think that the Mouse is a little worried about his money.
