Lucasfilm Sues Jedi Club and Lightsaber Academy Over Trademark Infringement

Lucasfilm, a Disney subsidiary, has filed a lawsuit against a California man, whose described in the lawsuit as operating businesses that offer lightsaber classes, a Jedi school, and other related events. As THR reports, his companies continue to infringe the various Star Wars trademarks, despite warnings.

The New York Jedi club classes are held in midtown Manhattan, and has gained a lot attention from mainstream media publications and the public, but Lucasfilm is not amused with the classes that it has taken the matter to federal court.

According to a complaint filed a California District Court, they are suing Michael Brown and his companies, inluding the New York Jedi club and the associated Lightsaber Academy.

"Defendants are in the business of promoting, producing, offering for sale and selling unauthorized ‘Lightsaber' classes, which purport to teach students how to use ‘Lightsabers' and/or perform as ‘Jedi'," the complaint reads (pdf)

It sounds like Lucasfilm has given them a chance to save themselves, but instead of halting their businesses, but Brown responded by filing a trademark application for his company:

Lucasfilm says it has served multiple cease notices, and that the Brown has responded by filing a trademark application for "Lightsaber Academy, Inc."

The plaintiff now demands a permanent injunction, actual damages and profits, or alternatively, up to $2 million in statutory damages for each trademark infringed.

Brown's businesses use "Jedi" and "Lightsaber" to market their classes and events, but their trademarks are owned by Lucasfilm.

The complaint also reads: "Defendants regularly use the Lucasfilm Trademarks without authorization in connection with their businesses. Among other infringing activities, Defendants use a logo that is nearly identical, and confusingly similar, to Lucasfilm's trademark Jedi Order logo."

Lucasfilm is charging Brown and his companies with cybersquatting, trademark infringement, unfair competition and more.

Meanwhile, classes are continued, with the next one being scheduled this Thursday, but I bet Brown and his companies will lose this legal battle quickly.