It is sometimes admirable for people who love certain franchises take their passion devoting their time, money, and effort on them. Sometimes, they even establish businesses based on the franchises they love, just like Michael Brown when he established industries based on "Star Wars." However, taking such actions is such a risky step especially when involving big names like Lucasfilms, which happened to file a lawsuit against Brown for infringing on its intellectual property.
The operation of the "Star Wars"-based businesses includes the New York Jedi, the Lightsaber Academy and Thrills and Skills, which Michael Brown managed, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The lawsuit was filed against him on Friday for conducting services that include teaching certifications and classes in "Academic Form, Stage, and/or Dueling." More details on the services are featured on the official website LightsaberAcademy.com.
The studio accuses the business owner for trademark infringement based on this complaint, taking the case to the federal court in California. There were several cease notices that bought the attention of Brown. However, instead of complying and closing operations, he still pushed through with filing a trademark application for "Lightsaber Academy, Inc."
The complaint from Lucasfilms reads that the "defendants regularly use the Lucasfilm Trademarks without authorization in connection with their businesses." It also added that the defendants were also using the logo "that is nearly identical, and confusingly similar, to Lucasfilm's trademark Jedi Order logo."
Due to this, the movie studio that was behind the "Star Wars" franchise will be demanding damages and profits, as well as a permanent injunction. Alternatively, Lucasfilm will also ask for up to up to $2 million in statutory damages for each trademark infringement.