Star Wars brand uses the Force to stop copyright infringement
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“Use this name you cannot.”
Lucasfilm Ltd. L.L.C., owned by the Walt Disney Co., told an Oakland, California, businessman just that earlier this year in the form of a failed cease letter. The entertainment empire is now using the force of its copyright for all things Star Wars to sue the owner of Lightsaber Academy for infringement.
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco several days ago, contests defendant Michael Brown's use of the terms “lightsaber” and “Jedi” in his martial arts school “Lightsaber Academy.” On its website, the school advertises instruction in lightsaber skills and stage combat. The complaint also lists Mr. Brown’s other business entities: New York Jedi and Thrills and Skills, all advertising instruction in Star Wars-themed combat techniques.
The complaint also illustrates how Mr. Brown’s logos, used on uniforms and websites, are too similar to the official Jedi Order logo, and that he is profiting from the Star Wars brand.
Mr. Brown had previously asked for permissions and licensing but Lucasfilm had denied his appeal to use the brand, the court document states.
One day after Lucasfilm send its cease letter in March Mr. Brown allegedly filed a federal trademark application for “DBA Lightsaber Academy Inc.” And one month after that, he applied for another trademark: “AKA New York Jedi,” according to the complaint.
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