A writer involved in creating the 1972 version of the Ghost Rider comic-book character signed away his rights in the character when he endorsed a payment check containing language to that effect — so ruled a U.S. district judge in New York yesterday.
As a result, the writer, Gary Friedrich, will not be able to demand compensation for use of the character in the Nicholas Cage movie(s) of the same name.
State law generally governs matters like this, so it’s worth doing your homework (or consulting an attorney) if you ever encounter a similar issue.