Writer and photographer Clayton Haugen has filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement against Activision and Infinity Ward for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare operator Mara. In a submission obtained by TorrentFreak, the plaintiff alleges that the Activision character infringes his copyright on a character named “Cade Janus.” Janus is the subject of a story called of November Renaissance, which Haugen had written and presented at film studios. In 2017, Haugen hired Twitch streamer, actress and model Alex Zedra for a series of photographs she created as part of this presentation. These photos were posted on Instagram, Haugen’s website, and the calendars he created.
Haugen alleges that Activision contractors, who wanted to create a new female character for the Call of Duty franchise, discovered these photos and later tried to replicate the same style by hiring Zedra for photographs and 3D scanning for in the game. The lawsuit states that the contractors hired the same Janus filming makeup professional, used the same hair extension, and asked Zedra to get the same items that carried Haugen’s filming. The lawsuit also states that Zedra and the makeup professional had to sign non-disclosure agreements to hide the similarities.
Below you can find a view next to the presentation.
It remains to be seen whether or not Haugen’s case can be proven, but it looks like Activision or its contractors may have been aware of Cade Janus ’photos. In the presentation, Haugen provides an Activision “Project Odyssey” development document, dated September 8, 2017. The document contains images of various actors and models, including one of Haugen’s photos of Zedra as Janus. The document is marked as “the face of the future” and seems to point to Activision’s attempt to create a more diversified cast. Modern Warfare.
Haugen seeks “all monetary remedies against the defendants ‘offense, including all of their benefits attributable to their offenses,” as well as their attorneys’ fees. The plaintiff also requests a trial by the jury for the case.
Call of Duty: Modern War is currently available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. You can check out all of our previous game coverage right here.
What do you think of Haugen’s case? Can you see the similarities between Zedra’s photos as Janus and as Mara? Let us know in the comments or share your opinions directly on Twitter at @Marcdachamp to talk about all the games!