Lucasfilm sues Light Saber Academy for 'Star Wars' trademark infringement

Lucasfilm, a Disney subsidiary, sued Michael Brown, owner of Light Saber Academy and New York Jedi, in Los Angeles, California, federal court on Friday for cybersquatting, trademark infringement and unfair competition, targeting Brown's LightsaberAcademy.com.

The Hollywood Reporter acquires a copy of the legal document with the details about the infringement case. One of those alleged infringements is the use of the Jedi Order logo in the academy's website, which specifies, "round in shape, with six wing-like shapes curving upward (three per side), and an eight-pointed star featuring elongated top and bottom points stretched into a vertical line."

“Lucasfilm has consistently denied Defendants’ requests,” according to the legal document. “Lucasfilm has never licensed or authorised Defendants to make any commercial use of the Lucasfilm Trademarks or any other of Lucasfilm’s intellectual properties.”

The complaint notes include that "defendants have willfully continued their infringing activities despite receiving cease and desist letters from Lucasfilm, "even though LightsaberAcademy.com disclaimer states that they "have no affiliation with Star Wars , Lucasfilm or Disney."

Lucasfilm demands statutory damages that cost up to US$2 million (AU$2.6 million) for each trademark infringement and a permanent injunction against Brown.

Brown’s schools, which offer classes about the “8 core principles” Jedi warfare, have been operating since 2005. The lessons include the proper movement and form, basic strikes, footwork and stances and safety.

Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012 when George Lucas, the founder of the film outfit, sold it to them for US$4 billion (AU$5.2 billion).

Lucasfilm released “The Force Awakens” last year with a gross of US$2 billion at the global box office. The next movie, "Rogue One," will hit the theatres in December. There will be four movies to show until 2020 that will complete the slate of six movies planned by the company.

Laura Lin and Kelly Klaus at Munger, Tolles & Olson represent Lucasfilm company.