Split decision in 'Star Wars' case

Prop designer can sell items everywhere but U.S.

By ARCHIE THOMAS

LONDON -- The prop designer on the 1977 "Star Wars" film, who now sells replica "Star Wars" items online and from his south London shop, was cleared of violating British copyright law after George Lucas and his Lucasfilm sued him in the High Court for copyright infringement.

But Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios faces further legal action from Lucasfilm after the High Court found his actions did breach U.S. intellectual property laws.

Justice Anthony Mann's ruling means Ainsworth can sell stormtrooper costumes, which he promotes as "made by the original prop-maker from the original molds," everywhere but the U.S.

Lucasfilm won $20 million in damages in U.S. courts in 2006, but Mann declined to enforce that order on Brit resident Ainsworth on Thursday. Ainsworth's counterclaim for a slice of the "Star Wars" franchise's profits was rejected. Next step is a hearing in October when either side may appeal.