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Lucasfilm Limited v. Ainsworth

[2011] UKSC 39 (2011)

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Lucasfilm Limited v. Ainsworth

United Kingdom Supreme Court
[2011] UKSC 39 (2011)

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Facts

During production of George Lucas’s Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Andrew Ainsworth (defendant) was part of the team that designed and produced the Imperial Stormtrooper helmet that appeared in the film. Lucasfilm Limited (Lucasfilm) (plaintiff) owned all the copyrights in the artist works created for the Star Wars films and built a successful licensing business, which included licensing models of Imperial Stormtroopers and their equipment, following A New Hope’s enormous commercial success. In 2004, Ainsworth made replicas of the Imperial Stormtrooper helmet and armor and sold them in the United States. Lucasfilm filed suit against Ainsworth (who was domiciled in England) in England for infringement under United States copyright law, among other claims. The appellate court found that Lucasfilm’s claims for infringement under United States copyright law were not justiciable in England. Lucasfilm appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Lord Walker, Lord Collins, J.J.)

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