Famous Ghostface mask from ‘Scream’ sparks intense legal dispute with major Hollywood figures

Legal Showdown Over Ghostface Mask

Two prominent Hollywood studios are embroiled in a contentious legal dispute with a special effects company based in Los Angeles, centering around the ownership of the Ghostface mask, a hallmark of the Scream film franchise.

On Friday, Paramount Pictures and Spyglass filed a lawsuit in federal court in California. They accuse Alterian Ghost Factory of claiming rights to the notorious killer mask and of threatening to initiate a copyright lawsuit just ahead of the seventh installment of the series.

The studios allege that Alterian is using the iconic white mask without any legal entitlement and attempted to “coerce” them into paying large sums to avoid further legal action, as indicated by court documents acquired by the California Post.

The complaint states, “For 30 years, Alterian intentionally withheld the rights to the iconic ‘Ghostface’ mask used throughout the Scream series.”

With less than a month until the release of Scream 7, the studios claim that Alterian is making threats for millions of dollars in damages.

Paramount and Spyglass assert that the Ghostface mask was appropriately licensed from the costume maker Fun World, which began promoting the spooky design back in 1991. They argue that by waiting so long after the original Scream premiered in 1996, Alterian forfeited its right to launch such a lawsuit.

The Hollywood studios argue that the dispute should lie between costume designers and special effects companies, seeking a court judgment that Alterian’s claims have no legal validity and asserting that they have not infringed on copyright.

The lawsuit reflects a common trope in horror films: characters often ignore danger until it’s too late. “In movies, delays heighten suspense. In law, unreasonable delays can obstruct requests for release,” the complaint explains, illustrating its case.

In a countersuit filed the same day, Alterian claims it manufactured a somewhat similar mask known as “The Wailer” in 1991, as part of its “Ghost Maker” Halloween costume line.

According to their complaint, Alterian accuses Fun World of “shamelessly and intentionally” copying the masks, unfairly profiting from the multibillion-dollar franchise.

The lawsuit contends that both the studio and the costume company infringed copyright by reproducing, displaying, and distributing these masks.

“We’ve filed a complaint for copyright infringement, which should be clear in its implications,” Brian Wheeler, an attorney for Alterian, commented.

He added, “However, it’s important to clarify that this isn’t primarily about property rights; it’s about copyright infringement.”

Alterian is seeking over $200 million in statutory damages.

This company has been behind notable films like “Hairspray,” “Zombieland,” and “Hocus Pocus,” yet has curiously not made mention of the Scream franchise on its website.