REAL-LIFE INSPIRATION FOR LOIS LANE TAKES OVER COPYRIGHT

REAL-LIFE INSPIRATION FOR LOIS LANE TAKES OVER COPYRIGHT

WASHINGTON (Wireless Flash) -- A recent court decision means that Superman may stay with Lois Lane for good. According to a story published by AnotherUniverse.com, the wife of Superman creator Jerry Siegel has reclaimed her rights to the character her husband helped create in 1938. Joanne Siegel -- who was the real-life inspiration for Lois Lane -- is now legally entitled to half of any revenues earned from comic books, films or merchandise featuring the Superman character. Although Siegel and his partner, Joe Shuster, sold the rights to the character in 1938 to DC Comics for $130, changes in copyright law now allow heirs to regain rights to characters after the original copyright runs out. Mrs. Siegel's attorney, Arthur Levine, won't discuss how the decision will affect Time-Warner which owns the other half of Superman, but insiders say both sides are negotiating a settlement.