Ghostbusters

(1984)   Tags: Columbia

Harvey Cartoons v. Columbia Pictures Industries

This is a dispute over two ghosts. Harvey is the former publisher of “Casper, The Friendly Ghost” (“Casper”) comic books. Columbia is the producer of the motion picture entitled “Ghostbusters.” Harvey claims that the “Ghostbusters” logo, which depicts a cartoon ghost behind the international prohibition sign, infringes its copyright and trademark rights in a cartoon character named “Fatso,” who is a member of “The Ghostly Trio,” a group of ghosts which occasionally appears with “Casper.”

Judgment: Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment as to copyright infringement, trademark infringement and unfair competition is denied, and defendant’s cross-motion for summary judgment to dismiss plaintiff’s complaint is granted. Plaintiff’s action is dismissed.