Powershop pulls Darth Vader outdoor campaign after complaint from Lucasfilm

Given Lucasfilm/Disney make millions out of the Star Wars brand annually, you would think they could have given Powershop Australia some leeway on this. The ad is purely satirical, would not have been intended to pass off the Star Wars brand and if anything is something of backhanded compliment! What’s the old saying: “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery!”

Lucasfilm, even prior to the acquisition by Disney, was renowned for being one of the most litigious brand owners out there. Every agency knows this. Except one, it would seem.

And there’s an even older saying – “Ask, and ye shall receive”

Had Powershop Australia put in a proposal to use Lucasfilm’s trademarked property, I’m sure they would have been very forthcoming, in allowing them to go ahead with the advertising campaign.

Great artwork! Shame it has to be scrapped

Give them a bit of leeway? They’re not a bloody charity and neither is Powershop. They’re trying to make money for themselves – why should someone who created something from their own idea let others profit from that? Also, Star Wars doesn’t need a compliment from a brand. Not sure you noticed but it’s legendary enough.
Jeez. Talk about naive.

I wonder if McDonalds Australia had to pay up….

Leeway. I have a VPN. I’ll just download it for free.