Disney Settles Copyright Dispute with Marvel Artist's Estate

The resolution ends a series of lawsuits over the rights to popular superhero characters, including Spider-Man and Doctor Strange.

Walt Disney Co. has settled with the estate of former Marvel artist Steve Ditko, ending a lengthy legal battle over the copyright of popular superhero characters Spider-Man and Doctor Strange.
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Ditko, along with other artists, first submitted copyright termination notices to Marvel in 2021 in an effort to reclaim the rights to characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, and Thor.
Disney was able to resolve its disputes with all parties except for Ditko’s estate earlier this year.
The settlement marks the resolution of the last of five lawsuits initiated in 2021 regarding various comic book characters and copyright.