Showing that it is just business after all, Marvel and Sony concluded a deal for international rights for the Punisher, which is being released in the U.S. next year by Artisan.  According to Variety, Sony's Columbia TriStar Film Distributors will distribute the film in all markets outside the U.S. except for eight Asian and Middle Eastern countries (which were previously sold).  Both Sony and Marvel are apparently able to look past their contentious litigation over Spider-Man (see 'Marvel Ups the Ante' for the latest on the lawsuits) to find common ground on other business.  This is consistent with the tone Marvel has used in describing the litigation in its public filings; it seems that the court battle over Spider-Man merchandise will not prevent the companies from making money on Marvel movies in other ways until that is resolved.