Judge Rules Against West in ‘Batman’ Suit

Former “Batman” actor Adam West lost his dynamic duel Wednesday against a group of advertising agencies he alleged stole his characterization of the crime fighter.

West, who portrayed the caped crusader in the 1960s television series, was seeking $900,000 in damages from the agencies for producing a television commercial featuring another Batman actor who, West alleged, portrayed Batman in such a way as to make viewers believe it was West.

In his ruling, Burbank Superior Court Judge Stephen O’Neil said the central issue was a contractual one that had nothing to do with West’s portrayal of Batman. O’Neil said West gave up all rights in the contract he signed in 1965 with Greenway Productions Inc., producer of the television series. West was not in court Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.