AEW Looking To Dismiss Much Of Luchasaurus Mask Lawsuit

All Elite Wrestling have moved to dismiss much of the lawsuit against the promotion and Luchasaurus (Austin Matelson) filed by Composite Effects, LLC over the former AEW World Tag Team Champion's mask. 

According to Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics, AEW moved to dismiss five of the six counts raised by Composite Effects on March 21. AEW have argued these counts fail to make a viable claim or are preempted by the Copyright Act. The other count will be answered by AEW after a decision is made about the motion. 

In response, Composite Effects filed a proposed amended complaint in which they allege that Matelson had another mask maker create a similar mask which infringes on their copyrighted work. Composite Effects claims this is a breach of contract. 

A lawsuit was filed against AEW and Luchasaurus in December 2022 in which Composite Effects claimed a copyrighted mask design was being used for merchandising purposes without their permission. It was stated that Luchasaurus was free to use his mask for pro wrestling events but not merchandise and that Composite Effects own "licensing and design rights on all of our characters." 

Composite Effects noted they worked with Luchasaurus in 2016 to create a modified version of their 'Viper Silicone Mask' design and horns were added in March 2019 ahead of AEW's first events. Composite Effects stated in the lawsuit that they tried to reach a licensing agreement on multiple occasions but no deal was ever agreed upon.  

As part of the lawsuit, Composite Effects are seeking profits that AEW and Luchasaurus have made from the mask design, as well as other damages and the covering of their attorney fees.