The battle of Marvel Company and family of its co-creator of some of its characters, Jack Kirby is finally over after the court has proclaimed that the copyright is legally owned by Marvel.
The late Jack Kirby was one of the brains behind the making of some of Marvels famous characters including Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man.
Last year, the family of Kirby has claimed that the copyright of some of its work which started in 1958-1963 should be under his name.
The Marvel Company has reacted on this stand of Kirby’s family by filing a case to prove that legality of the ownership to its famous book characters.
In the final verdict of the New York court, they have explained that the creation of the characters in Marvel’s book was done “for hire” and so rightful ownership of it should be given to the Marvel Company.
On the other hand, lawyer of Kirby’s family said that they will appeal on this ruling of the court and prove that the copyright should be given to Kirby.
The judge who handled the case is US District Judge Colleen McMahon, she stated in her rulings that this battle is not about the ownership of the copyright but rather it is about knowing whether the time that Kirby was creating the characters it was done for hire which is under the Copy right Act of 1909.
McMahon has further explained that she based her final ruling on the contract signed by Kirby to Marvel where he sworn that he is making the characters under a work for hire status.
The Marvel Company has released its statement on the result of the case and said that they are very much pleased with the final verdict and feel relief that the they have proven their legal ownership of its characters.