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So I am trying to design a logo for a company, they have requested I incorporate a Star Wars light saber into the logo. I fear this may cause copyright problems.

Is it okay to use something like this in a logo? Or is it suggested you don't?

Is there a risk of litigation if I design a logo that includes recognisable elements from the Star Wars franchise?

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  • 2
    I hear the Disney company (who now owns Star Wars) is pretty litigious.
    – Voxwoman
    Commented Feb 14, 2015 at 3:33
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    I think you already know the answer. :)
    – Scott
    Commented Feb 14, 2015 at 3:40
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    The litigation force is strong with this one.
    – Zach Saucier
    Commented Feb 14, 2015 at 5:06

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If you have a signed agreement from the rights holder allowing such use or if you can get the company counsel (i.e. lawyers) to sign off on it, then sure, use light-sabers. But without those, the company is taking a serious legal risk that could very well ruin the company. As always, we are not your lawyer and legal questions should always be directed towards an appropriate licensed legal professional.

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  • I figured this was going to be the answer. I guess I will talk to the company and let them know it be best to keep Star Wars stuff out of the design.
    – Christine Austin
    Commented Feb 14, 2015 at 17:15
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The only permissible use of someone else's copyrighted material I'm aware of is for fan fiction or tribute sort of use. But certainly not for profit.

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  • What exact visual aspect of the Light Saber brand weapon would be considered copyright? Various kinds of glowing or flaming swords predate Star Wars. While copying the exact markings off a Light Saber weapon would be a violation of copyright, I don't know that a glowing blade coming off a cylindrical hilt would have sufficient novelty in and of itself to merit protection.
    – supercat
    Commented Feb 26, 2017 at 22:54

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