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Stormtrooper Designer, Lucas Head to Court

Lucasfilm plays hardball with costume creator over rights

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 7, 2008 7:59 AM CDT

(Newser) – George Lucas and the man who invented the stormtrooper costume are headed for a court battle over who has the right to make it, the Guardian reports. Lucasfilm is suing British prop designer Andrew Ainsworth, who recently discovered his original stormtrooper molds, and began selling replicas for some $3,600 each. “As far as I am concerned I am the original maker and I'm using the original molds,” says a defiant Ainsworth.

A California court already awarded Lucas $20 million in the case, but because Ainsworth is British, Lucas needs to convince a London court to enforce the ruling. Ainsworth, meanwhile, has countersued, saying Lucasfilm owes him a chunk of its massive merchandising revenue. Lucas says that while it wouldn’t want to “discourage fans from showcasing their enthusiasm,” it will “go after” anyone profiting from its trademarks.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Participants dressed up as stormtrooper characters from the Star Wars movies make their way down Peachtree Street during the sixth annual Dragon Con parade Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Todd Bennett)

Lucasfilm bought the original stormtrooper helmets for $70 each. (KRT Photos)

Actors dressed as Stormtroopers from the science fiction film trilogy Star Wars. (Getty Images (by Event))

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Stormtrooper Designer, Lucas Head to Court