At 2 o'clock
Robed
What is underneath the robe? That's up to you...
This thread is gonna explode tomorrow.
At 2 o'clock
Robed
What is underneath the robe? That's up to you...
This thread is gonna explode tomorrow.
Tomorrow, after the judge hands AA his ass, I'm hoping for some really creative sentencing. Monetary damages are pointless, since AA won't be able to pay them anyway. He can't pay the fines imposed in the US courts, let alone any additional. I've been trying to think of what truly the most interesting punishment would be... living in one of his suits 24/7 for a year?
_Mike
It's about gawdamned time. Goat, he's Justice Mann, his costume is under his robe.
I'm assuming Lucas is going after AA's corporation which AA himself should be personally protected. I'm sure his company will just file bankruptcy and he won't have to shell out a dime.
He could be Lucas' Butler.
Oh wait - that was a Seinfeld Episode.
He may flee the country, marry a 3 toothed voodoo priestess, and become starfortress' partner.mverta said:
Under Justice Mann's robes are SITH ROBES...thats right, SITH ROBES! Lucas' ace in the hole...his sleeper agent...groomed since the late seventies he has crept up through the UK judiciary ranks to wait patiently until his master had need of him...and that time is now...bwahahahahahaha...at last we will have our revenge!
Greatest comment ever!Terrell78 said:
He may flee the country, marry a 3 toothed voodoo priestess, and become starfortress' partner.
It's over. From Rebelscum
Lucasfilm Ltd. Wins Copyright Infringement
Case in British High Court
Maker of Bootleg Star Wars Stormtrooper Costumes
Found Liable for Damages
LONDON (July 31, 2008) – A High Court judge here today found that British firm Shepperton Design Studios and its principal, Andrew Ainsworth, violated the U.S. copyrights of Lucasfilm Ltd. by making and selling pirated Star Wars Stormtrooper helmets and other costume replicas.
Today’s ruling by Mr Justice Mann in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, affirmed that Lucasfilm is the sole owner of all rights to the iconic costume designs.
The court held that Ainsworth infringed Lucasfilm’s rights when he reproduced the Stormtrooper helmet replicas and sold them under a false claim that he had created the designs, which were used in 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. Ainsworth was a plastics manufacturer who was hired in 1976 to reproduce designs created by a team of Lucasfilm artists, including costume designer John Mollo, who won an Academy Award for his work on the film.
The court found that the factual claims made by Ainsworth and his company were neither accurate nor reliable, and rejected his counterclaims seeking a share of the profits from the films.
Lucasfilm brought the case to the British High Court following a 2006 judgment by a California court awarding Lucasfilm $20 million in damages resulting from
— more —
Star Wars Copyright Infringement / 2-2-2-2
Ainsworth’s activities. The British court held that it could apply U.S. law to the matter and ruled in Lucasfilm’s favor on the merits of the infringement case.
The court also held that Ainsworth infringed Lucasfilm’s rights under UK copyright laws, but that a UK-specific law that limits the enforcement of copyrights in industrial designs applied to the facts in the case. Lucasfilm is considering whether to appeal the legal finding under the UK industrial design law.
“We are grateful to the court for its ruling, which makes it clear that Lucasfilm and George Lucas are the rightful owners of the copyrights related to Star Wars,” said Lucasfilm Vice President Howard Roffman.
“We do not intend to use this ruling to discourage our fans from expressing their imagination, creativity and passion for Star Wars through the costumes and props they make for their personal use,” Roffman said. “Rather, we see the Court’s decision as reaffirming that those who seek to illegally profit from Star Wars will be brought to task, wherever they may be.”
Proceedings in the High Court of Justice began on April 8. The trial included testimony from Mollo; Gary Kurtz, producer of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; and Roffman, among others. Lucasfilm presented as evidence scores of sketches, designs, drawings and plans from the production of the first Star Wars film, which was produced in England in 1976. Original Imperial Stormtrooper costumes were displayed for the court as evidence. The trial now moves into the remedies phase, in which the court will determine the appropriate relief to provide to Lucasfilm.
Lucasfilm Ltd. is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company based in San Francisco, Calif.
Just heard the ruling went against Ainsworth, he wasnt there to hear it. They havent annouced damages or details.
Judgement went against Ainsworth. The damages and other details will be announced at a later date. Ainsworth did not appear in court to hear the judgement.
Brian Muir
Just seen jcoffman99's post and he beat me to it!
Last edited by Brian Muir; Jul 31, 2008 at 9:47 AM. Reason: just noticed previous post revealed these details
That's too bad, but in the end with what came out he got what he deserved. Very disappointing though for fans and collectors who want something that actually had lineage to the movies. It'll be interesting to see what the "remedies" are.
'The trial included testimony from Mollo; Gary Kurtz, producer of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back; and Roffman, among others. Lucasfilm presented as evidence scores of sketches, designs, drawings and plans from the production of the first Star Wars film, which was produced in England in 1976. Original Imperial Stormtrooper costumes were displayed for the court as evidence.'
Sounds like it would have been quite interesting at this court...would love to have seen what they should with regards to designs and costumes.
Yeah, after this there should be an entire book made about the Stormtrooper (and variations) only!LDR said:
Hah, it'll be interesting to see what the damages will be in this one.
Welcome to the RPF Mr. Muir.
Terrell78 said:
He may flee the country, marry a 3 toothed voodoo priestess, and become starfortress' partner.
I am sure it is 2:00 pm in the UK
Nothing?
Could the title of this thread be changed to AA case drags on?
Actually the lawsuit named Ainsworth, not his company...adidino said:
Also note that I'm not sure on UK corporate law and bankruptcy, but in the US intentional, knowing and deliberate illegal acts committed by a corporation under the direction of a principle allow the principle to be held accountable and not totally skirt away under corporate protections...
It's actually very relevant in this case when the sole reason for AA's corporation was to knownly commit illegal acts of infringement... And this was emphasized by LFL in the court cases... I'm sure even in the UK you can't simply incorporate a company commit illegal acts then blame it all on the corporation and walk away free...
Last edited by exoray; Jul 31, 2008 at 10:23 AM.
I found this part interesting:
"The court also held that Ainsworth infringed Lucasfilm’s rights under UK copyright laws, but that a UK-specific law that limits the enforcement of copyrights in industrial designs applied to the facts in the case. Lucasfilm is considering whether to appeal the legal finding under the UK industrial design law."
What will this mean to other helmet and armour makers who sell for profit ????
Last edited by Megamicrofish; Jul 31, 2008 at 10:44 AM.
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