It appears that the final battle from Star Wars will happen in an English court. In this legal sequel, Andrew Ainsworth, a prop designer, is up against the empire headed by director George Lucas and his massive company, Lucasfilm. The dispute is over the rights to the stormtrooper costumes. It seems that Ainsworth may be making costumes from the original mold from the film. “Obi-Wan has taught you well,'” young Ainsworth, but the courts may have different plans for you and your stormtroopers.
The question in the case turns on who owns the copyright to these iconic outfits linked to the movie that first aired in 1977. Ainsworth insists: “As far as I am concerned I am the original maker and I’m using the original moulds.” Ainsworth discovered some of the original helmets in “his cupboard” and began to make replicas.
Yet, as Yoda says, “there is another.” Lucas has won a prior court fight over the costumes in California. Click here
Now, the Lucas Empire Stikes back with an english lawsuit designed to stop Ainsworth as permanently as the destruction of the planet Alderaan by the death star.
Ainsworth no doubt will find strength in Yoda’s final words:
Remember, a Jedi’s strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Luke… Luke… do not… do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor or suffer your father’s fate you will. Luke, when gone am I… the last of the Jedi will you be. Luke, the Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned, Luke.
For the full story, click here
Here’s a little Yoda to get us all through the day.
Luke: I don’t believe it![after watching Yoda levitate the X-wing fighter from the swamp]
Yoda: THAT is why you fail.
Here’s the classic piece of cinema:
Fuji-san:
Emotionally, I have to confess being in the camp of the artist when it comes to ownership of her/his work despite the law which clearly favors the patron of the work for hire. Will “David” ever really be thought of as the creation of the Operai, by and through their hired-hand, Michaelangelo? I certainly hope not.
JT:
I prefer complimentary. I have to compete all day and this is fun–and educational.
Was Ainsworth a work for hire when he made the original molds or was he working within the capacity of his employment when he designed and made the molds? It would be interesting to figure out who authored (for lack of a better copyright word) the mold, assuming that there isn’t a design patent at issue.
Darn it, Mespo, topped again!
Well, maybe Ainsworth can take heart from these sage words of Yoda in his battle with Lucasfilm:
“Size matters not, … Look at me. Judge me by size, do you?”