Aren't they required to release a movie or something every x number of years or else the rights revert to the parent company? The way Ruffalo was talking a year or more ago, you'd think that Universal owned the rights indefinitely.
-- Sent from my 13 year old P.O.S. Desktop®
The situation with Universal isn't the same situation as it is with Fox. Unlike X-Men or F4, Marvel Studios actually do own the production rights to Hulk - according to the article I've linked to below, the production rights reverted back to them back in 2005 due to the situation you're describing, Universal had let things lapse long enough/didn't start on a sequel to Ang-Lee's Hulk in time. That's why they've been able to include him in Avengers and other MCU films and why "The Incredible Hulk" is part of the MCU.
What did not revert back, however, and what Universal still 'owns' is the distribution rights. They get first dibs to distribute any solo film for Hulk that Marvel produces.
Forbes actually wrote a pretty good article last year regarding the situation along with their speculation as to why Marvel hasn't moved forward with another Hulk solo film yet.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2015/06/19/details-of-marvels-hulk-film-rights-fans-can-relax-about-sequel
Nillindeiel
Agent Hill: ...Then aliens invaded New York and were beaten back, by among others, a giant green monster, a costumed hero from the 40's.... and a god.
Agent Ward: I don't think Thor is technically a god.
Hill: Well...you haven't been near his arms.
~Agents of SHIELD; Season 1 Episode 1 "Pilot"
So Universal owns the distribution refusal rights ad infinitum for Hulk? That's gotta lapse sometime, one would think.
-- Sent from my 13 year old P.O.S. Desktop®
http://officialfan.proboards.com/thread/595938/rumor-marvel-hulk-namor-rights
Universal can't make a Hulk movie without Marvel's co-operation, Marvel can't distribute a Hulk movie without Universal's co-operation, but they can put Hulk in any movie they want and distribute it as long as Hulk isn't the lead character. They can make a Hulk TV show or cartoon without Universal, though, but have no claim on the Lou Ferrigno Hulk show.