Geek tech firm loses Jedi credentials
Lucasfilm swoop crushes opposition
Jedi Mind Inc has conceded that someone else might just own the term Jedi, and has changed its name to Mind Technologies Inc.
The decision follows legal action from Lucasfilm, which reckons it owns the Jedi Knights and everything associated with them. The action will probably now be dropped.
Jedi Mind Inc reportedly agreed to phase out the term Jedi last year, but then failed to do so. This prompted action against the company by Lucasfilm, which owns trademarks including the Jedi, their robes, and of course a telepathic oneness with other Jedi in the universe.
Which won't include Mind Technologies: its internet presence has been expunged of references to the fictional order, with jedimindinc.com already forwarding to mindtechnologiesinc.com and products renamed to remove any reference to the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy.
The products themselves remain the same, though the remote-controlled mouse is now a "Mind Mouse" rather than a "Jedi Mouse" - which is a shame as the latter brings up a nice image of a cloaked mouse welding a light sabre, though that would be breach of trademark. ®
COMMENTS
It's a shame
that they can't change their name to the Jedi opponents and become Sith Mind Inc.
Er, which galaxy was that then?
"products renamed to remove any reference to the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy"
When you say "the" galaxy, I hope you aren't implying that it is this one. The opening text of the first film was "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...". I can't believe there is anyone in the entire IT industry who doesn't know this.
except
... this is the real world, failing to protect your trademark can result in a loss of that trademark and then we could see a whole range of Jedi merchandise that has absolutely nothing to do with LucasArts whatsoever and is merely leeching of their brand.
Still, they may be easily startled but soon they'll be back - and in greater numbers.
@Tim Jenkins
I wonder where the assets of White Star lines reside these days? Are Cunard* still around of have they been bought out too?
They should sue James Cameron.....
*As in:
Very smartly dressed sailor: "I work for Cunard and I am very well paid because of that."
Scruffy sailor: "I work my bloody balls off mate and I'm paid sod all".
Spoil Sports with no vision
This kind of Trademark/copyright infringement case really pisses me off. Jedi Mind inc were doing no harm to lucasfilm, nor were they selling products which competed with any products that lucasfilm are selling. They just didn't want another kid playing with their ball. Its sad and petty.
The word Jedi has found its way into modern language, and into modern culture. If someone says Jedi, most people know what they mean. Even my mum and dad have an idea of what I am talking about. If anything mind technologies inc were benefiting the lucasfilm brand. I know if I was playing with a Jedi mind control headset, it would really put me in the mood to watch Star Wars. I would be more inclined to use the headset with anyone of the many Star Wars branded games. To add to the experience even more, I might even go out and buy a Jedi costume to wear while I was playing Jedi Knight, with my emotive headset. All these things would make money for lucasfilm.
This is not why trademarks and copyrights were created.
P.S. I have purposefully spelt lucasfilm with a small 'l', because lucasfilm is small and petty.
