Trib Calling Dick Tracy

Tribune Media Services has sued Warren Beatty, seeking to recover rights to the "Dick Tracy" comic strip series. Beatty purchased the rights in the 1980s, which resulted in the film starring Beatty and others in 1990. According to the complaint, Tribune's contract with Beatty allowed it to get the rights back if Beatty did not start any other projects based on the comic strip within five years after the release of the film.

After many years had passed, Tribune sought the rights back from Beatty, but he claimed to be in production on a half-hour special for the sole purpose of extending his rights. Beatty then sued Tribune, asking a court to bless his maneuver. However, in December, Tribune filed for bankruptcy protection and Beatty's lawsuit ground to a halt.

When a company files for bankruptcy protection, all litigations against it are automatically stayed. This allowed Tribune to commence its own lawsuit -- within the friendly confines of the Bankruptcy Court -- asking that the court award it the rights to "Dick Tracy." We'll see how the case proceeds.