Iconic Ghostface mask from Scream triggers…
Two Hollywood heavyweight studios are locked in a bitter legal face-off with a Los Angeles-based particular results company over possession of the enduring Ghostface mask from the “Scream” horror franchise.
Paramount Pictures and Spyglass filed a lawsuit Friday in California federal court accusing Alterian Ghost Factory of declaring possession of the notorious killer mask and threatening copyright litigation forward of the release of the seventh installment of the slasher saga.
The studio giants declare the particular results firm accused them of utilizing the ghostly white-faced mask without a legal proper, and tried to “strong-arm” them into paying hundreds of thousands to dodge a copyright lawsuit, according to court docs obtained by The California Post.
Paramount Pictures and Spyglass filed a lawsuit Friday in California federal court, accusing Alterian Ghost Factory of declaring possession of the notorious killer mask and threatening copyright litigation. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
“Alterian, Inc. intentionally slept on its purported rights in the iconic ‘Ghostface’ mask used throughout the Scream franchise for thirty years,” the go well with prices.
“Now – less than four weeks before Scream 7 is set to be theatrically released worldwide – Alterian has threatened litigation in an effort to strong-arm plaintiffs into paying it millions of dollars.”
In their grievance, Paramount and Spyglass said the Ghostface mask was correctly licensed from Fun World, a costume company that touts creating the eerie visage in 1991, and arguing Alterian forfeited its proper to sue by ready a long time after “Scream” first debuted in 1996.
The studio giants declare the particular results firm accused them of utilizing the ghostly white-faced mask without a license and tried to “strong-arm” them into paying hundreds of thousands. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The Hollywood powerhouses said the legal combat ought to be between the costume company and particular results firm, requesting the court rule that Alterian’s claims have legally-expired and they didn’t violate its copyrights.
“It is a familiar trope of horror films that characters ignore danger until it is too late,” the lawsuit notes.
In their grievance, Paramount and Spyglass said they correctly licensed the Ghostface mask from Fun World, a costume company that created it in 1991. SPYGLASS MEDIA GROUP
“In cinema, delay heightens suspense. In the law, unreasonable delay is called laches, and in appropriate circumstances it can foreclose claims for release. This is such a case.”
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In a countersuit filed Friday afternoon, the manufacturing outlet claimed it created a comparable ghost-faced mask – dubbed the “Wailer” – in 1991 as half of a “Ghost Maker” Halloween costume line.
In a countersuit filed Friday afternoon, the manufacturing outlet claimed it created a comparable ghost-faced mask – dubbed the “Wailer” – in 1991 as half of a “Ghost Maker” Halloween costume line. United States District Court Central District of California
Alterian contends Fun World “shamelessly and intentionally” copied the mask and improperly licensed the creepy face-covering, reaping income from the billion-dollar franchise, the grievance alleged.
The go well with prices the studios and costume company infringed on its copyrights by copying, publicly displaying, distributing and reproducing the haunting mug.
The go well with prices the studios and costume company infringed on its copyrights by copying, publicly displaying, distributing and reproducing the eerie mug. United States District Court Central District of California
“We just filed a Complaint for copyright infringement, which speaks for itself,” Brian Wheeler, an attorney for Alterian, told The Post Friday.
“I would be remiss, however, if I did not correct what appears to be a misunderstanding of the nature of my client’s claims. This is not a case about ownership, but rather about copyright infringement.”
The company is looking for no less than $200 million in statutory damages.
Alterian contends Fun World “shamelessly and intentionally” copied the mask and improperly licensed the creepy face-covering, reaping income from the billion-dollar franchise, the grievance alleged. Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Alterian, which labored on classics like “Hairspray,” “Zombieland,” “Hocus Pocus,” “Jackass,” and “Scary Movie 2” – a “Scream” parody that featured the spooky mask – makes no point out of the horror flick or its six sequels on its web site.
Paramount declined to remark on the lawsuits.
Spyglass Media Group and Fun World didn’t immediately reply to The Post’s request for remark.
“Scream 7” will hit theaters on Feb. 27.
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