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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Settlement Conference as|Trial on Ghost Rider Nears

MANHATTAN - A federal judge scheduled a Thursday telephone conference to discuss a settlement between Marvel Enterprises and the creator of the "Ghost Rider" comic book.

"Ghost Rider" was first published in 1972, as part of the Marvel Spotlight series. The debut issue cost 20 cents. It told the story of Johnny Blaze, a super-powered motorcycle stunt rider who saved his adoptive father from cancer by selling his soul to the devil.

The cover of the debut issue stated "conceived and written by Gary Friedrich."

Ghost Rider appeared in more than 300 comic books issued between 1972 and 2005, and also popped up in video games and toys. Hollywood released a film adaptation of "Ghost Rider," starring Nicholas Cage, in 2007.

Gary Friedrich sued Marvel, Hasbro, Sony Pictures, Mattel and dozens of others that year, alleging infringement of his copyrights on the burning-skulled, motorcycle-riding character.

Marvel Characters Inc., one of the defendants, argued that it owned the rights to the character because Friedrich used the help of Marvel resources and staff in the creation of "Ghost Rider."

A federal judge in Manhattan agreed in 2012, saying Marvel deserved summary judgment because Friedrich signed a work-for-hire contract with it in 1978.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Forrest also awarded Marvel damages on its counterclaims over Friedrich's use the phrase and picture of "Ghost Rider" on a poster.

The 2nd Circuit vacated that decision this past June, however, remanding the case for trial.

Judge Forrest revealed Tuesday that the parties "have amicably agreed to resolve all claims between among, and against all parties."

She ordered them to appear for a telephone conference on Thursday at 11 a.m.

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