A man creating replicas of stormtrooper costumers has won his appeal to the UK Supreme Court.
Prop designer Andrew Ainsworth has been creating and selling replicas of the helmet and armor for the past several years. However, he was sued by Lucasfilm over it.
After several years of legal battles, the UK Supreme Court has rule in favor of Ainsworth.
According to the BBC, the heart of the issue if Lucasfilm could convince the courts the 3D works were sculptures, they would be protected by copyright for the life of the author plus 70 years. If not, the copyright protection would be reduced to 15 years from the date they were marketed, meaning it would have expired and Ainsworth would be free to sell them.
The court sided with Ainsworth and he’s free to begin selling his replicas again.
“I am proud to report that in the English legal system David can prevail against Goliath if his cause is right. If there is a Force, then it has been with me these past five years,” Ainsworth said.
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