I took a look around and did not see this posted.
Star Wars' Creator Calls Off Duel over 'Lightsaber' Laser Pointer
By Adam Hadhazy
Many epic but harmless lightsaber duels are likely to be fought at this week's Star Wars convention in Florida. There is, however, a truly dangerous lightsaber-like device out there that has caused a disturbance in the Force.
It is the flesh- and retina-roasting S3 Arctic Spyder III laser pointer made by Wicked Lasers. The device bears more than a passing resemblance to the iconic weapon in George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies.
In June, shortly after the Arctic became available, Lucasfilm sent Wicked Lasers a cease-and-desist order. But by late July, any further threat of legal action had been dropped, after Wicked Lasers pulled off a bit of a Jedi mind trick on Lucas' company.
Wicked Lasers blamed the media for hyping up the lightsaber likeness and stated publicly that the resemblance was not intentional. The Hong Kong-based manufacturer of portable lasers also made clear it has zero connection to the Star Wars franchise, which will be the focus of the Star Wars Celebration V convention in Orlando, Fla., from Thursday though Sunday.
Lucasfilm, satisfied, called off the stormtroopers, but reiterated that the Arctic is a "highly dangerous product," according to CNN, which obtained the company's letter.
More SPACE.com -- 'Star Wars' Creator Calls Off Duel over 'Lightsaber' Laser Pointer
Star Wars' Creator Calls Off Duel over 'Lightsaber' Laser Pointer
By Adam Hadhazy
Many epic but harmless lightsaber duels are likely to be fought at this week's Star Wars convention in Florida. There is, however, a truly dangerous lightsaber-like device out there that has caused a disturbance in the Force.
It is the flesh- and retina-roasting S3 Arctic Spyder III laser pointer made by Wicked Lasers. The device bears more than a passing resemblance to the iconic weapon in George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies.
In June, shortly after the Arctic became available, Lucasfilm sent Wicked Lasers a cease-and-desist order. But by late July, any further threat of legal action had been dropped, after Wicked Lasers pulled off a bit of a Jedi mind trick on Lucas' company.
Wicked Lasers blamed the media for hyping up the lightsaber likeness and stated publicly that the resemblance was not intentional. The Hong Kong-based manufacturer of portable lasers also made clear it has zero connection to the Star Wars franchise, which will be the focus of the Star Wars Celebration V convention in Orlando, Fla., from Thursday though Sunday.
Lucasfilm, satisfied, called off the stormtroopers, but reiterated that the Arctic is a "highly dangerous product," according to CNN, which obtained the company's letter.
More SPACE.com -- 'Star Wars' Creator Calls Off Duel over 'Lightsaber' Laser Pointer
