If you have ever gone out on one of our night tours, you will ubdoubtedly remember using one of our really cool green laser pointers. We get them from www.WickedLasers.com.
We just received word that George Lucas recently issued a cease-and-desist order against Wicked Lasers for the production of one of their products, the Pro Artic Laser.
Dear Laser Enthusiasts,
This announcement is to let the laser community know that our laser hobby is currently under attack. Last month, we received a cease and desist letter from Lucasfilm demanding that we discontinue, recall and modify our laser products they referred to as
“lightsabers” or face imminent legal action.CNN – ‘Star Wars’ creator says laser too much like lightsaber
Lasers are have a wide variety of applications in the scientific, medial, and industrial fields. We cannot allow George Lucas to threaten the livelihood and freedom of laser and flashlight technology. Science developed from decades of research should not be owned by science fiction.
Check out the eBay auction for your chance to win the original cease and desist letter, a piece of Star Wars history!
Please help the cause by participating in the Lasers for Liberty community and by signing the petition to Lucasfilm.
This is the petition link. You will be asked your name, email, and zip code, as well as for a monetary donation. If you DO NOT want to donate money, simply click the “NO THANKS, JUST SUBMIT MY SIGNATUE” link below the donation image.
Click the image below to sign the online petition.
Online Petition
KEEP LASER TECHNOLOGY FREE.
This is no time to curtail the world’s passion for innovation.
The threat to force Wicked Lasers and other laser/flashlight manufacturers to cease operations has caused great concern for many users as it follows a pattern of using legal action to take over and control science. While media sources has likened the Wicked Lasers S3 Arctic laser to a “lightsaber” it was brought forth by online bloggers, not the manufacturer of these devices. In essence, they are being held responsible for the actions of bloggers. More importantly, this is likely to set a radical legal precedent over what movie companies can do. If a movie contains futuristic or imaginary products, it could potentially prevent manufacturers from actually inventing the item in reality. We care about the future and we rely on technology to better live our lives. The open and free nature of the USA will be changed as big corporations threaten inventors to limit their passions – almost certainly discouraging innovations that will increase the quality of life. Since its inception 50 years ago, laser technology has positively affected nearly every facet of human life. Medical procedures such as Lasik, cosmetics, surgery are all because of lasers. Holographs, laser displays, pico-projectors are all from the hard work of many people. The world has thrived and benefited substantially from this wonderful landmark invention. This threat draws parallels to other Lucasfilm legal actions, such as Digg.com, ‘Star Wars’ strategic defense initiative, Dr. Dre, and several others.
While protecting trademarks and copyrights certainly make sense for the continued financial success of the company, the Spyder III Arctic laser is not the same as a lightsaber. Fortunately, it is not nearly as cool-looking nor as powerful as the handheld device that can cut through and melt several inches of titanium.
In the Star Wars trilogy and prequel films, the concepts of freedom and right cause are emphasized time and time over; the fight between good and evil, the empire, the rebels… That’s what made Star Wars arguably the best films in history. We certainly feel that way and we know most of the world feels that too. The history and heritage of the Lucasfilm company is amazing and will continue for generations to come. Trying to claim ownership over laser technology will cause those who lose control of their rights to harbor feelings against what you have built.
The ramifications of the legal threats are broad and affect all manufacturers of cylindrical devices that output light. At heart, it is a question of whether or not a fictional concept can own a realistic invention rooted in the present reality. Controlling the rights of ownership of laser technology may not be in the interests of society. The Wicked Lasers Arctic laser is the world’s most powerful portable laser, but there are many other laser and flashlight manufacturers that utilize similar technologies.
Through proper meditation and consideration of the benefit of society, Lucasfilm can abstain from its actions to control laser technology and continue to be a highly respected production/special effects company that supports the interests of the general public.
