Diesel Sweeties, who received one of the dreaded ‘quit or we’ll sue your wookiee off’ letters in regards to several derivative tees last month, is now offering limited engagement Cease and Desist t-shirts. Ironically, he’s still offering some of the original shirts.
I feel a great disturbance in the copyright…
Urban Medium is now offering a bust of their CheTrooper graphic.
Hatin’ for Hipsters
Part of me thinks this “Star Wars sucks” t-shirt might get the makers a C&D faster than usual, but I also think it would be a delightfully ironic type of thing to wear at CIV – if you made your own.
Beware the trademarks!
Richard Stevens of Diesel Sweeties, who has been selling Star Wars themed t-shirts for a few years now, recieved a Cease & Desist from Lucasfilm. Comic Journal blog Journalista gives a good analysis of the situation. (via Digg)
I think it’s worth saying that Lucasfilm is well within their rights to do this kind of thing: fandom is not entitled to make money off someone else’s property, something fanfic folks are well aware of, but occasionally let slide when it comes to other areas. Overall, Star Wars fandom has has been very, very lucky in our dealings with the Powers-That-Be, at least for the last decade or so. They’re not exactly mowing down everyone in sight, remember?
Peanut butter t-shirt time
The infamous ‘Dark Lord of the Garden’ shirt is now available in kid sizes for youthful (or simply Ewok-sized) infringers. Also of interest: In Case Of Zombies.
TK412, why aren’t you at your post?
No clue if this is kosher, let alone official (probably not) but you can get yourself a set of ‘Shepperton Studios Stormtrooper Armour,’ with helmets made from the “original molds,” for a mere £1299.95. (About $2500 American.) Or, just get in touch with your local 501st…
Déjà vu all over again
Another ‘These aren’t the breasts you’re looking for’ tee?
But that’s not all! Discerning fans could also head over to Oddica, which has two fannish shirts for the offering: Sith Abandon Ship and Ping Pong Vader.
Threadless has also reprinted Obi Wan Kerisst. And amid the submissions, I found a Tusken Wader. I Heart Zombies may also be of interest…
Déjà vu all over again
Another ‘These aren’t the breasts you’re looking for’ tee?
But that’s not all! Discerning fans could also head over to Oddica, which has two fannish shirts for the offering: Sith Abandon Ship and Ping Pong Vader.
Threadless has also reprinted Obi Wan Kerisst. And amid the submissions, I found a Tusken Wader. I Heart Zombies may also be of interest…
Another unauthorized Star Wars tee
Why isn’t Lucasfilm snapping these freelancers up? After the whole Lori Jareo brouhaha, I’ve realized that maybe I shouldn’t be quite so nonchalant about this kind of thing, but… These shirts are awesome, far better than anything I’ve actually seen come out officially. (Yes, they’re trying, but I’m not really feeling the graphics at all.) The Urban Outfitter tees are close, but it seems like they’re trying too hard. You don’t need miles of text, or even a brief snappy caption. Just… simplicity.
It’s not like there’s not precedent – how many fan artists has LFL picked up over the years? Honestly, I don’t know. I’m sure there are contracts and exclusivity deals along the line somewhere. I just hate seeing awesome SW tees hovering in limbo.
I’d rather kiss a…
Another throughly unauthorized Star Wars t-shirt design at Threadless.