A lawsuit has been filed over the mask used by Luchasaurus.
Composite Effects, LLC, on December 20, made a legal complaint against AEW and Austin Matelson (Luchasaurus), claiming that the Lucasaurus mask is a copyright of the designer and is currently being used for merchandising purposes without permission.
Details of the legal complaint (via Wrestlenomics) note that Matelson first worked with Composite Effects (CFX) around December 2016 to have made a modified version of a previous Composite design called a "Viper Silicone Mask." The mask would be adjusted once again, adding horns, again in March 2019.
“Matelson was entitled to use the mask in events as a wrestler,” the plaintiff writes, “but neither he nor anyone acting on his behalf was entitled to create merchandise that incorporated the mask design.”
According to the complaint, when CFX learned Luchasaurus signed with AEW in 2019, the company tried to create a licensing agreement with him. When no agreement was reached, Composite and AEW personnel began discussing the creation of a new mask, which AEW purchased the rights to. The new mask was shipped in August 2021, but according to the complaint, it was rarely used, if ever.
According to emails provided by Composite as evidence, Matelson claimed "he and Tony" agreed the current mask is too iconic to change.
“Hey man thanks for the work on the new mask but after getting a look of it on my face Tony and I agreed my current mask is just too iconic at this point and we can’t change the face,” Matelson wrote. While not specified, it is noted that Matelson appears to be referencing Tony Khan, CEO of AEW.
Ultimately, Composite reached out in 2022, asking AEW and Luchasaurus to stop using the copyrighted mask or come to terms on a licensing agreement. Still, no deal was made, and the mask would continue to be used in merchandise. Furthermore, it is noted in the complaint that Matelson reached out to another designer, George Frangadakis, to create a mask similar to the design that Composite holds the copyright to.
Matelson and an associate known as “Jett” allegedly wanted “a near replica of CFX’s custom-designed mask,” according to the statement signed by Frangadakis.
“It was clear that there were legal issues that needed to be handled prior to my designing a new mask for Matelson,” Frangadakis writes.
Composite Effects is seeking profits AEW has made related to the alleged infringement, other damages sustained as a result, and attorneys’ fees.
Wrestlenomics reached out to AEW for comment on this matter, but the company hasn't yet responded.
Fightful will continue to monitor the story and report all updates.