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Fake Light Sabers Making Real Cash

Posted by michael on from the enlarge-your-schwartz-now dept.

jdedman4 writes "The fanfare over Episode II brings with it absurdist prequel theories as well as this article from the Houston Chronicle detailing one fan-enterpreneur's success. In eight years, Forney, Texas resident Jeff Parks has made himself a millionaire by making customized light sabers for collectors. "My goal is to be the best light saber designer in the world," quips Parks."

4 of 240 comments (clear)

  1. Re:How is he surviving? by joshv · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Doesn't he have to be a licensed Star Wars toy distributor?

    I imagine as long as he does not use any LucasFilm trademarks he is ok. My guess is that Lucas never bothered to trademark the lightsaber. Even if they did, on his web site Parks never refers to Star Wars, or the word "Light Saber" - it's just a "Parks Saber".

    I would also guess that this product is high end and niche enough that it does not directly compete with any officially licensed products. So it's unlike that LucasFilm would try to pursue the issue legally.

    -josh

  2. fast cash? by hey · · Score: 4, Insightful

    One million in eight years is $125K a year which isn't bad but he has two employees (dad and fiancee). Instead he sounds like a hardworking guy.

  3. Re:How is he surviving? by Drakin · · Score: 2, Insightful

    laser swords have been part of space opera for a long time. not sure where they started, but it wasn't with lucas. Most of his ideas are borrowed anyway.

  4. Not necessarily a millionaire by imnoteddy · · Score: 2, Insightful
    The article states "has grossed more than $1 million" which is not the same as the submitter claims "made himself a millionaire". He has expenses. Maybe he's spent all the money.

    Can't people read?

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