Lucasfilm is suing the British prop designer who crafted the Stormtroopers' signature white battle suits for nearly $20 million, according to The Guardian.
Director George Lucas claims that Andrew Ainsworth, who has been reproducing the Star Wars costumes and selling them for up to $3,600 apiece, is infringing upon his film company's copyright. Ainsworth, who sells a wide variety of Star Wars props on his Shepperton Design Studios website, has filed a countersuit asking for a share of Star Wars' massive merchandising revenue.
Ainsworth says he's got a claim on the copyright: "As far as I am concerned, I am the original maker and I'm using the original moulds," he told the Guardian.
Lucas Licensing says it's just protecting its intellectual property. "We would never want to discourage fans from showcasing their enthusiasm for the movies," said a spokesman. "However, anyone who tried to profit from using our copyrights and trademarks without authorisation ... we will go after them."
While a California court found in favor of Lucasfilm in 2006, awarding $20 million in damages, the legal battle has spread overseas as the film company seeks enforcement of the ruling. The high court in London will take up the case Tuesday.
Star Wars Costume Copyfight Spreads to England
http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/04 ... costu.html
