Greedy Disney Sues Star Wars Fans For Washing Cars

Videos shared on social media showcase Star Wars characters like Chewbacca, Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Cassian Andor, and even Darth Vader busying themselves with hoses and washcloths, bringing a unique and entertaining twist to the mundane task of washing cars. But Star Wash owner Matias Jara encountered legal troubles when registering his brand with the Chilean patent authority INAPI.

According to Jara’s lawyers, Lucasfilm swiftly filed a lawsuit against Star Wash, seeking to block the registration of the business name. The primary argument put forth by the Disney-owned company was the potential confusion that could arise, asserting that the public might mistakenly associate Star Wash with the official Star Wars franchise.Interestingly, the lawsuit does not target the attendants and their Star Wars costumes, focusing solely on the business name. However, Jara’s lawyers maintain that there is no intention to infringe on Lucasfilm’s copyrights, stating that the car wash name is “sufficiently different” from the popular movie franchise.

Moreover, they argue that the production company’s copyright covers products like toys, furniture, and non-alcoholic drinks and does not extend to car cleaning services. Matias Jara expressed his surprise and dismay at the legal action, revealing that his daughter came up with the clever wordplay during a family trip to a Disney theme park in the U.S., where they visited the Star Wars area.”Of course, this lawsuit is affecting us,” Jara explained in an interview. “We’re a small business, and we’re spending on things we hadn’t budgeted for. We don’t make movies or sell their products or anything like that,” he added while describing his business as a “stellar car wash.” The clash between Star Wash and Lucasfilm raises questions about the balance between homage and infringement.

In theory, the lawsuit initiated by Disney’s Lucasfilm against the small business Star Wash may not paint a favorable picture for the entertainment giant. While protecting Star Wars’ intellectual property is a legitimate concern for large corporations, some aspects of this case may not align with the public perception of fair competition and the preservation of creativity within small businesses.The lawsuit focusing solely on the business name rather than any tangible infringement involving the costumed employees may lead observers to question the necessity of legal action against a small venture that appears to be engaging in harmless homage rather than attempting to dilute or exploit the official Star Wars brand for commercial gain.

Furthermore, there’s a pragmatic consideration for Disney. If the company continues to pursue legal action without discretion or making exceptions in cases where the nature of homage is evident and non-threatening, it risks alienating its fan base. Disney’s reputation could be at stake in an era where public sentiment and online discussions can quickly shape the narrative.A perceived lack of understanding or empathy for small businesses might lead to negative publicity and public relations challenges. As such, striking a balance between safeguarding intellectual property and allowing room for creative expression in small businesses is essential.

Source: Reuters