"New York Jedi" and "Lightsaber Academy" sued by Lucasfilm

[WEDGE ANTILLES]

Lucasfilm Cracks Down on Lightsaber Academy With Lawsuit - IGN

....for copyright infringement.

"Defendants regularly use the Lucasfilm Trademarks without authorization in connection with their businesses," Lucasfilm's complaint reads, and also notes that, "among other infringing activities, Defendants use a logo that is nearly identical, and confusingly similar, to Lucasfilm’s trademark Jedi Order logo."

Lucasfilm is now demanding damages and profits (or up to $2 million in statutory damages for each trademark infringement), as well as a permanent injunction."

 


more here:

Lucasfilm Sues Lightsaber Academy Over Star Wars Copyright Infringement

The services offered by these businesses can be found at lightsaberacademy.com, and the logo appears to be identical to the classic Jedi Order logo, so it is fairly understandable why Lucasfilm isn't happy about the situation. Lucasfilm has a long history of embracing fan art and representations of the Star Wars brand, but the common thread is that these creations from the fan community tend not to be a legitimate for-profit business.

Lucasfilm Sues Lightsaber Academy Over Star Wars Copyright Infringement

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it seems LFL is sending a warning to 'for-profit' businesses who use the word "lightsaber" to make their living.   

--> are "sabersmiths" next on their list?       is this a sign of things to come? 

[Habbena]

These pop up from time to time.  The main issue is the use of trademarks and logos.  The article indicates he was issued several cease and desist notices and didn't respond. 

There are many in our hobby that walk a real fine line, and in my opinion even cross over it.  You need to be careful with your wording, your image use, and what you are selling.  Lucasfilm does not own the concept of an "illuminated saber" and their MK and Flashgun designs aren't owned either.  But there are many designs, names, and logos that are.  You need to be careful if you are selling.   If you are respectful and respond properly to cease and desist letters you  likely won't get sued. 

These things are always a good reminder of the need to observe the law and walk wisely.

If we do these things the saber building community will be fine, in my opinion.

[Onli-Won Kanomi]

It could also be that Lucas/Disney might want to start their own 'official' Lightsaber Academy so want to crush any potential 'competition' in that market space before they enter it; especially since the person in question filed for a trademark which may have been the precipitating event that forced their hand to protect their legal ownership of the term "lightsaber" - the IDEA behind the lightsaber is not original to "Star Wars" but the word is, and is proprietary.