Lucasfilm files lawsuit over "Star Wars" photo leak

Disney's Lucasfilm division filed a lawsuit late last week requesting a California federal judge issue a subpoena to identify the individual who leaked an image from the upcoming seventh Star Wars film.

The alleged copyright infringer faces a fine of up to $150K for uploading the image. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act subpoena focuses on ImageShack, the file sharing service that is hosting the leaked image. The screenshot appears to show a Sith Lord from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, a character in a dark hood and mask with a red broadsword lightsaber in hand. The picture was posted by user "Darth_Simi," who could now face serious legal repercussions for the alleged copyright infringement.

Disney and Lucasfilm first sent a takedown request to ImageShack on January 30, referring to the picture as "Star Wars Episode VII Costume Design and Photograph." As of February 3, however, the image remains up on the website and has racked up over 12,000 views.

This is not the first issue Star Wars Episode VII has faced, with several plot and character storyline leaks taking place over the past few months. With the film set to be released in December, still a good ten months in the future, it is possible that Lucasfilm will have to continue their crackdown on copyright violators. The Director of IT at Lucasfilm has declared his responsibility in this case for, "monitoring and addressing infringement of copyright."

Dealing with copyrighted material and intellectual property can be a tricky business. To ensure that your rights are always protected, and to avoid unnecessary litigation, it is imperative to consult with a capable business attorney.

Categorised in: Intellectual Property Law

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