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…]
San Diego Comic Con 2011: Video Interview with Brandon Alinger, Prop Store (Wrath of Khan, The Empire Strikes Back, Predator)
As a continuation of the Prop Store booth at this year’s Comic Con (see previously published interview with Stephen Lane), this next video segment includes an interview with Brandon Alinger, COO of the Los Angeles office, along with Ian Mutch from the London office. This feature takes an in-depth look at pieces from Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, The Empire Strikes Back, Drive Angry, Gladiator, Batman Returns, and Predator. [Read more…]
San Diego Comic Con 2011: Video Interview with Stephen Lane, Prop Store (Star Trek, Scarface, The Fifth Element)
As part of my ongoing coverage of Comic Con 2011 and as has been tradition (see 2008, 2009, 2010), Prop Store CEO Stephen Lane took the time to show off some of the amazing props and costumes on display at their exhibit area. This year, Stephen provided some insights and a closer look at the ZF-1 weapon from The Fifth Element, Tony Montana’s green card from Scarface, and a uniform worn by Uhura in the original Star Trek series. [Read more…]
San Diego Comic Con 2011: Prop Store Brings “Comic Khan”-Centric Exhibit to Show
2011 marks Prop Store’s third year as an exhibitor at Comic Con in San Diego, and as has been the case in the past, they have brought an assortment of props and costumes from an assortment of film and television programs. As part of their t-shirt promotion this year, they have billed their experience “Comic Khan”, which is emblazoned across the shirts and the Khan costume from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is in the coveted display case spot at the corner of their exhibit. [Read more…]
Original Television and Movie Prop, Costume, and Hollywood Entertainment Memorabilia Auction Events Calendar
Below is the latest updated list of upcoming original movie and television prop, wardrobe, and memorabilia auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to collectors. [Read more…]
Original Television and Movie Prop, Costume, and Hollywood Entertainment Memorabilia Auction Events Calendar
Below is the latest updated list of upcoming original movie and television prop, wardrobe, and memorabilia auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to collectors. [Read more…]
Bloomberg Report on Lucasfilm vs Ainsworth ‘Star Wars’ Stormtrooper Helmet Copyright Lawsuit; UK Supreme Court Decision Still Pending
Bloomberg today published a video report on the Lucasfilm Ltd. vs. Andrew Ainsworth dispute. After Ainsworth prevailed in the UK Court of Appeals in late 2009, the case was argued before the UK Supreme Court in early March. Mr. Ainsworth features prominently while giving a tour of his studio; Lucasfilm is represented by a two sentence written statement. While the short broadcast captures an interesting mainstream media perspective of the case, it lacks a substantive review of the two specific legal issues under consideration in the pending UK Supreme Court decision, noting that “the legal arguments are detailed and complex“. [Read more…]
Original Television and Movie Prop, Costume, and Hollywood Entertainment Memorabilia Auction Events Calendar
Below is the latest updated list of upcoming original movie and television prop, wardrobe, and memorabilia auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to original prop collectors. [Read more…]