Lucas Launches Lawsuit Over Jedi Mind's Tricks

[Jerious1154]

Obviously Lucas doesn't have a trademark on levitation, and even if he claimed that he does he doesn't really believe it. If he did he would be suing every TV show or movie that featured levitation and he doesn't do that.

The real problem here is that this company used "Jedi" in their name, which is clearly copyright infringement. Suing them for that isn't really much of a douche move at all. They should just change their name and everyone is happy.

 

[oranger]

wow, is george lucas really, REALLY trying to claim the invention of the various "jedi" powers? wtf? last time I checked they were all age old tv/comic book tropes.
X-men, Star trek, superman, a whole boatload of others. Not to mention various fairy tales and legends.
I could see it if the it was about the word "jedi", which is a made up word, but the rest? no way.

 

[SelectivelyEvil13]

Obviously Lucas doesn't have a trademark on levitation, and even if he claimed that he does he doesn't really believe it. If he did he would be suing every TV show or movie that featured levitation and he doesn't do that.

I don't know, he may actually believe that he alone holds the rights to levitation and other Jedi abilities, but the evil Emperor voice in his head his handlers/lawyers have to restrain him from going sue-crazy and wasting the courts time (with their minds... oh snap!)

The real problem here is that this company used "Jedi" in their name, which is clearly copyright infringement. Suing them for that isn't really much of a douche move at all. They should just change their name and everyone is happy.

Exactly, it was just stupid of them to think that everything was legal as they name themselves Jedi Mind, especially after the Cease and Desist letters. I'm sure that they can come up with a better name that can be taken more seriously if they want to pursue that business. I would never buy that kind of software from people who can't think outside of Star Wars for naming.

 

[Kelthurin]

To hell with the lawsuit. That technology is awesome! Not only because it'll let people with certain disabilities use a computer, but damn, think about the breakthroughs that could come from this in other areas of technology after years of study and development.

I am officially fascinated.

 

[poiuppx]

As said before, it's the fact they were stupid enough to:

A) Use Jedi in their name and

B) Ignore multiple warnings to cut that crap out

That have led them down this road. Feelings for or against Lucas aside, the man is 100% in the right on this, and may unleash the power of his fully operational lawyers upon them at will. Then they will learn the power of the Legal Side.

 

[Blind Sight]

That's a real shame, I can understand why they'd do that, but still, Jedis have become such a part of the geek sub-culture that if I was Lucas I wouldn't care that much, I'd probably be flattered (this is why I'm not a businessman). I sometimes wonder what our culture would be like if copyrighting had been invented thousands of years in the past. Would the city of Frankfurt sue the hot dog? Would Caesar send a cease and desist to all salad companies? (yes, I'm aware that's not where the name really comes from)

This was not the article I was looking for. I'll go away now.

 

[Scrythe]

"LucasFilm... claims ownership of "all characteristics associated with the Jedi knights not memorialized in a registered trademark ... (including) Jedi robes, the lightsaber weapon, the power to levitate objects, a telepathic oneness with other Jedi and the universe, and the ability to shoot energy beams called 'Force Lightning' from the fingertips."

You heard it here first, folks. George Lucas singlehandedly invented the concept of telekinesis.

He's suing the X-Men next, followed by pretty much every non-Star Wars science fiction setting.

Pyscho Mantis was unavailable for comment.

 

[Stormz]

It's great how Lucas claims to own beam swords, telekinesis, the power to shoot lightning, telepathy. and robes.

He should sue every fantasy game creator in the world for using those without his permission. he'd be filthy fucking rich.

 

[QCX]

What I find funny, is that there happens to be a very well known philly hip-hop group by the name of Jedi Mind Tricks. Why the fuck hasn't he sued the pants of those gangsta..


probably get a cap in his ass right.

 

[Tdc2182]

I am going to stay as far away from this story as I can as I feel I will become a product of de-evolution.

 

[Lonan]

5 million isn't very much in the world of corporate American lawsuits if I'm not mistaken. This is just a slap on the wrist it looks like. Good for George Lucas for not going overboard.

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

Wait, what? Lucas holds the trademark for levitating objects and shooting lightning? Can they do that?

Every psychic movie and wizard film now needs to pay a tribute to good old George first. Damn.

OT: Give them a break George! Do you really need the money?

On the other hand, these guys shouldn't have provoked him. If there was a C&D order sent to you from a company owned by a billionaire, you may want to obey it.

My stance? Neutral, indifference. Both sides seem kind of childish.

 

[smashmaniac64]

if they got sent a letter beforehand and Jedi Mind agreed to stop usin name but didnt ,they are at fault
i do not, however, agree that george lucas owns the power to levitate, lightning or robes

 

[awsome117]

Anyway, holding a trademark on telekinesis? Oh really? I think Stan Lee and his X-Men would care to have a word with you Lucas.

With words like "Jedi" and "the force" put in with it. It's all about the names.

 

[crudus]

Hmm. I am torn. I understand Lucas' actions. Then again, he is a billionaire suing someone. I know he is doing it for the principle but I am not sure if I would do the same. At some point I think I would be too rich to care.

Wait-wait-wait, isn't the bigger story that it's possible to control an electronic device WITH YOUR MIND?!?!

Nope. That technology has been around for a few years. At least 2005 I think.

 

[Tim_Buoy]

Wait-wait-wait, isn't the bigger story that it's possible to control an electronic device WITH YOUR MIND?!?!

thats right that is awesome i would dominate at starcraft
edit: nevermind i would subconsciously look up so much porn

 

[RicoADF]

Quit getting your hideously swollen neck in a twist Lucas, you fucking pansy. Since when did you own the trademarks to mind control?

Mind control, no they dont, the name Jedi, yes they do.