Comic book writer Gary Friedrich, best known as the co-creator of supernatural comic series Ghost Rider, has filed a lawsuit against Take-Two and other entities over alleged copyright infringement, including the recently released video game adaptation of
Comic book writer Gary Friedrich, best known as the co-creator of supernatural comic series Ghost Rider, has filed a lawsuit against Take-Two and other entities over alleged copyright infringement, including the recently released video game adaptation of the Ghost Rider movie. According to a Reuters report, Friedrich and his company have filed a 61-page complaint against not only Take Two, but also Marvel Enterprises, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony's Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, production company Relativity Media, Crystal Sky Pictures, Michael De Luca Prods., and toy manufacturer Hasbro. The suit calls out 21 specific violations inherent to the Ghost Rider feature film, starring Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes, which was released by Sony Pictures in mid-February. Friedrich claims the copyrights used in the film and in related products, including Take Two's video game adaptation, reverted from Marvel to him in 2001. The complaint, filed in a Illinois federal court, alleges that the companies “…wrongfully embarked upon a high-profile campaign, arrangement, joint venture and conspiracy to exploit, profit from and utilize plaintiff's copyrights,” specifically relating to both Ghost Rider and the character's alter ego, Johnny Blaze. The report notes that the comic book creator is seeking unspecified damages for claims of copyright infringement, violations of federal and Illinois state unfair competition laws, negligence, waste, tortuous interference with prospective business expectancy, misappropriation of characters, unauthorized use of the characters and false advertising and endorsement.
You May Also Like
