Film writer Clayton Haugen claims that his concept images were used as a basis for Mara from Modern Warfare
A filmmaker is suing Activision Blizzard over similarities between one of its Call of Duty characters, Mara, and his own character and copyrighted images.
Clayton Haugen claims that a character he created in 2017 named ‘Cade Janus’ and posted on his website and social media, was used as the basis for Mara.
Actress and cosplayer Alex Zedra was hired by Haugen, whose Instagram posts show images of Zedra in military clothing, ahead of the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
The lawsuit alleges that Call of Duty developers saw the images and hired the same actress and makeup artist as the basis for Mara, a character in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
Haugen alleges that Activision Blizzard forced the model and makeup artist to sign non-disclosure agreements to cover up the offense.
Mara was added to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as part of his first combat pass, and has since released several variations in the game.
The full charge lays down similarities between Mara and Haugen’s character, and says Haugen is entitled to “recover all monetary remedies from the offense of the accused, including all their profits attributable to their offenses, fully permitted by 17 USC § 505. “
A previous lawsuit against Activision Blizzard by AM General over trademark infringement for the use of Humvees in Call of Duty games was dismissed last April.