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…]
Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth Legal Battle Continues in 2011; UK Supreme Court Case To Be Heard in March
Website TheLawyer.com has this week published two articles with regards to the copyright legal battle between Lucasfilm Limited and Andrew Ainsworth of Shepperton Design Studios over the sale of unlicensed replica Star Wars props and costumes. [Read more…]
Prop Talk Podcast #010 – Ed Zine, Darth Vader Costume Collector | Interview by The Original Prop Blog with Jason DeBord
Ed Zine, special guest. This is the tenth ‘Prop Talk’ podcast by the Original Prop Blog. Ed Zine is a Darth Vader collector and enthusiast as well as an author. Ed has done significant research into the original Darth Vader costumes made for the Star Wars films, most specifically those made for The Empire Strikes Back.
Prop Talk Podcast #009 – J.W. Rinzler, Lucasfilm | Interview by The Original Prop Blog with Jason DeBord
J.W. Rinzler, special guest. This is the ninth ‘Prop Talk’ podcast by the Original Prop Blog. J.W. Rinzler is an author and serves as Executive Editor at Lucasfilm Ltd. Mr. Rinzler is described by the company as their own “Indiana Jones”, having created amazingly detailed and researched works about the Star Wars and Indiana Jones film franchises, memorializing the behind the scenes stories in making what are now classic films. [Read more…]
The Original Prop Blog 2009 Year in Review: News, Developments, and Trends in Collecting Original Movie Props and Memorabilia
As was the case in previous years (see 2007 Year in Review, 2008 Year in Review), what follows is an editorial review of my personal views with regards to the hobby, looking back at the top trends, developments, and news stories of 2009. As always, there were a lot of interesting developments and events, and quite a bit to review and consider. [Read more…]
Court of Appeal in England Rules in Favor of Andrew Ainsworth in Lucasfilm’s Star Wars “Stormtrooper Helmet” Copyright Legal Battle
Today the High Court of Justice, Court of Appeal in England ruled in favor of Andrew Ainsworth of Shepperton Design Studios in his breach of copyright legal battle with Lucasfilm Limited over the sale of unlicensed replica Star Wars props and costumes. [Read more…]
Lucasfilm Strikes Back Against Andrew Ainsworth In Trademark, Copyright Dispute Over Movie Prop Stormtrooper Helmets
After a more than year long hiatus, today the Associated Press and other mainstream media outlets have renewed their coverage of the Lucasfilm legal dispute over the trademark and copyright of the Stormtrooper helmet and other helmets and armor produced for Star Wars: A New Hope. [Read more…]
Harrison/Elstree Props/Norank: Raiders of the Lost Ark ‘Staff of Ra’ Headpiece Props in the Marketplace
As a continuation of recent articles, the focus of this feature is the recent activity in the marketplace concerning the “Staff of Ra” headpiece props attributed to Raiders of the Lost Ark – all of which appear to have originated from the Harrison family (who retired from and sold the “Elstree Props” business in early 2008 and now sell unlicensed replica props as “Norank Engineering” and on eBay as “unisusu”). With one purchased for $450 and another offered for resale for $30,000 (along with a German hat), it certainly raises a number of questions and concerns, and warrants investigation, debate, and discussion. [Read more…]