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ARTICLE · 09 MAY 2016

May the 4th be with you! IP protection from a galaxy far, far away

Marque Lawyers
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If you were thinking of using the Star Wars theme (or anything related to Star Wars), in your business, think carefully.

AustraliaIntellectual Property
Simone Tierney (Formerly With Marque Lawyers)
Simone Tierney (Formerly With Marque Lawyers)
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Star Wars Day is coming.

In case you were thinking of getting on the bandwagon and using the Star Wars theme (or anything slightly related to Star Wars) in connection with your business, think carefully. Lucasfilm Limited, which was purchased by Disney in 2012 for a reported $US4.05bn, is well known for fiercely protecting its IP, Boba Fett style. Here are some of our favourite Lucas actions taken to date:

  • In 1985, Lucas (unsuccessfully) sued a company that was working with the US Government on researching and funding space-based laser missiles and battlestations. The media had dubbed the initiative the "Star Wars" project, a term the Company started to use as shorthand for the initiative.

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