Marvel Worldwide Inc. has filed suit against the heirs of Jack Kirby, asking a judge to invalidate the copyright termination notices sent to Marvel and other companies (see “Kirby Heirs Seek Copyrights”).  The copyright termination notices were the first salvo in a battle by Kirby’s heirs to gain control of Kirby’s works and characters.  The suit just filed by Marvel argued that Kirby’s work for Marvel was “for hire,” which would make the heirs’ claims invalid.   

Given the stakes, the litigation surrounding the rights to Kirby’s work is probably going to be a long, drawn out affair.  And by filing this suit only days after closing the acquisition of Marvel (see “Marvel Acquisition Approved”), Disney has indicated that it’s going to take an aggressive stance in protecting the rights it has acquired.