Legal Question in Consumer Law in Virginia

Sale of copywritten characters

Basically, I want to build an R2D2 unit (from Star Wars) and I want to know what laws are in place that keep me from building it, and possibly auctioning it off upon completion.

I am assuming that the character and likeness are copywritten, but do not know for sure. Nor do I know how to find out.

I want to know the legistics of the task I'd like to undertake before doing so.


Asked on 1/21/06, 2:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Sale of copywritten characters

Yes, R2D2 is both a trademark and copyright of Lucasfilm. But if you were to build one for yourself, I doubt you would be sued. Auctioning it could be a different story. Probably you wouldn't be able to sell it on eBay due to its infringing nature. Maybe there exists an authorized model kit, in which case you could lawfully build and sell the model.

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Answered on 1/21/06, 8:33 am


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