Paramount and Spyglass Sue Over Scream’s Iconic Ghostface Mask

A legal dispute has emerged over the iconic Ghostface mask from the Scream franchise. Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group have initiated a lawsuit against Alterian Ghost Factory, a special effects studio based in Los Angeles. This legal action comes just before the release of Scream 7, scheduled for later this month.

Legal Claims and Background

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court, alleges that Alterian has threatened to launch its own copyright infringement litigation over the mask’s rights. Paramount and Spyglass seek a court order to prevent this potential lawsuit, asserting their legal right to the mask.

The complaint accuses Alterian of delaying action on its claims regarding the Ghostface mask, which has been a staple of the franchise for 30 years. The mask’s design traces back to a discovery by a film producer at a Northern California location. The production team licensed the mask from Fun World, a costume manufacturer, which has sold it since the 1990s.

Ownership and Licensing Disputes

• Alterian argues that it originally created the mask design, claiming Fun World had no authority to license it.
• Paramount maintains that this issue is primarily between Alterian and Fun World, noting that Alterian has not actively claimed ownership for decades.
• In July 2024, Alterian notified Fun World of its infringement claims regarding its designs.

In response, Fun World stated that it had contracted a sculptor under a work-made-for-hire agreement to produce Halloween masks, suggesting that the licensing was valid.

Previous Legal Precedents

Paramount and Spyglass argue that Alterian’s claims are barred by the statute of limitations. They referenced a 2020 federal court ruling which indicated that Gardner, associated with Alterian, was already aware of Fun World’s licensing since at least 1996.

Current Situation

Alterian purportedly escalated its demands last month, threatening legal action unless significant payments were made. Paramount’s legal team, which includes Aaron Moss, Joshua Geller, and Hannah Shepherd, maintains that Alterian has never legally proven ownership of the Ghostface mask.

The filmmakers argue that Alterian’s actions, coming so close to the release of Scream 7, represent an unjustified attempt to disrupt a completed film project. As of now, Alterian has not responded to requests for further comment.