Since 2007, the Original Prop Blog has been covering the legal battle between Lucasfilm Limited and Andrew Ainsworth of Shepperton Design Studios over the sale of unlicensed replica Star Wars props and costumes. The UK Supreme Court is today published their ruling on the two issues presented to them. Of the two, the most critical came down to whether the stormtrooper helmets themselves constituted “sculptures” in a way consistent with UK law. The court ruled that they do not, and thus delivered a victory to Ainsworth, which also leaves those following the case wondering about the ramifications to copyrights and copyright law and the consequences of the decision. The second question before them was decided in favor to Lucasfilm, which involves IP holders and their rights to pursue copyright claims in those cases where such laws are violated in other jurisdictions. [Read more…]
“AVATAR: The Exhibition” at the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle June 4th-September 3rd
The Experience Music Project has organized an exhibition called “AVATR: The Exhibition”, which will be held at the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle from June 4th through September 3rd. Per the official site, this was created with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, and “will feature authentic props and costumes, interactive displays, concept models, and sketches from the blockbuster film”. [Read more…]
UK Supreme Court Publishes Case Details for Lucasfilm Limited vs Andrew Ainsworth Copyright Dispute, Awaiting Judgment
While the hearing for Lucasfilm Ltd. vs. Andrew Ainsworth was held before the Justices early last month, the case details were only just recently published on UK Supreme Court website. While the Judgment is currently pending, the case summary offers a concise outline of the two issues to be considered by the court. [Read more…]
‘The 1709 Blog’ Offers Coverage, Insights, Legal Analysis of Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth UK Supreme Court Hearing on Stormtrooper Copyright
Hugo Cox of The 1709 Blog, “dedicated to all things copyright, warts and all“, published a substantive feature today entitled “Star Wars: the Hearing”. This article provides coverage of the three-day UK Supreme Court hearing that took place last week, with in person observations and legal insights, analysis, and observations on Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth in the related copyright dispute over the Stormtrooper helmets as seen in Star Wars: A New Hope. [Read more…]
UK Mainstream Media Report on Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth Star Wars Stormtrooper Helmet Copyright Lawsuit on Eve of Supreme Court Case
As reported two months ago (see “Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth Legal Battle Continues in 2011; UK Supreme Court Case To Be Heard in March”), the dispute between Lucasfilm and the British prop maker who built the stormtrooper helmets used in Star Wars: A New Hope will be heard by the United Kingdom Supreme Court beginning tomorrow. [Read more…]
“Heavy Lifter” Prop from James Cameron’s Upcoming “Avatar” Movie Makes Appearance at E3
Steve ‘Frosty’ Weintraub of Collider.com has published photos of the “heavy lifter” powersuit prop from James Cameron’s upcoming film “Avatar”. This is on display at the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) show floor in support of a game based on this movie from Ubisoft.
Interview With Brian Johnson, Special Effects Artist (Special to the OPB)
Brandon Alinger of the Prop Store of London has shared some interviews with me with permission to publish them on the Original Prop Blog for readers to enjoy. The first interview is with Academy Award winning Special Effects Artist Brian Johnson. [Read more…]
“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” Custom Winchester Shotgun
This is a comprehensive profile of the hero custom 1887 Winchester 12 gauge shotgun from the James Cameron film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” staring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton. [Read more…]