Lucasfilm Seeks Legal Action Against Episode VII Photo Leaker.

Main VillainA while ago, someone on the internet took a picture of the on-set costume for an antagonist of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren (shown above in the teaser trailer). Now, Lucasfilm is seeking to press charges against the person in question for stealing their intellectual property…

 

From Courthouse News:

The film company filed a subpoena request in federal court today against ImageShack, under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
 
Lucasfilm seeks information that will identify user “Darth_Simi,” who allegedly posted at least one unauthorized image to the ImageShack site on Oct. 29, 2014.
 
In the court filing, Lucasfilm referred to the leaked image as “Star Wars Episode VII Costume Design and Photograph.” It cites a link leading to a picture of a masked figure clad in black, and holding a red crossguard-style lightsaber.

Lucasfilm also asked ImageShack to take the image down yesterday. While it seems to be a bit late to take action, as the image has long since circulated Star Wars websites, it isn’t surprising to see that a Disney subsidiary would want to keep its secrets away from prying eyes.

 

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Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

Grant Davis (Pomojema)

Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

75 thoughts on “Lucasfilm Seeks Legal Action Against Episode VII Photo Leaker.

  • January 31, 2015 at 9:22 pm
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    What image?

    • January 31, 2015 at 9:26 pm
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      It was just a picture of Kylo Ren wearing a mask and holding the crossguard lightsaber.

      • January 31, 2015 at 10:59 pm
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        Post it, please. Hahahahahahahaha!!!!

        • February 1, 2015 at 1:07 am
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          That’s much too vulgar a display of power.

  • January 31, 2015 at 9:25 pm
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    Huh.

  • January 31, 2015 at 9:29 pm
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    The costume test shot from 3 months back.

  • January 31, 2015 at 9:33 pm
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    This is equal to a shot across the bow…..this is to make a point before more stuff gets leaked

    • February 1, 2015 at 1:14 am
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      I think it’s interesting that this happens right around the time that more stuff is rumored to leak out. There’s been word that more concept art and plot details will be leaked in February. This is most likely a deterring tactic, which would explain why they waited a while to do anything about it.

  • January 31, 2015 at 9:46 pm
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    I think Disney/Lucasfilm got tipped to a whirlwind of soon to be released images/info. This is just a way to keep it in check…but time will tell.

    • February 1, 2015 at 12:27 am
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      That photo is up everywhere and on the google search images.

      Is google breaking copyright laws putting images up from a movie not released yet?

      • February 1, 2015 at 8:05 pm
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        No, but people who host sites with the image may be. And those people still aren’t likely to get more than a “take this down” notice. It’s not worth Disney’s time to go after small potatoes.

        This guy’s getting a ton of bricks dropped on him because either he or someone he knows had access to insider info, stole it and leaked it—almost certainly in violation of an NDA.

        Nobody worked on VII without signing a tight NDA. People who break it probably deserve what they get.

        I agree with the others who say this is Disney taking a preemptive action to shut down more leaks.

  • January 31, 2015 at 9:57 pm
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    Kinda late, Lucasfilm.

    • January 31, 2015 at 10:20 pm
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      Or early. Who knows what spoiler content hasn’t been leaked yet. Disney might feel they need to send a message.

  • January 31, 2015 at 10:39 pm
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    This is about future pics that might leak obviously

  • January 31, 2015 at 10:51 pm
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    I remember seeing that photo and thinking it looked like totally fake fan cosplay B/s ..haha

    • February 1, 2015 at 12:12 am
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      So did I .I thought it was a cosplay of Darth Revan.

      • February 1, 2015 at 1:03 am
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        Maybe Kylo’s into cosplay. He scours the galaxy for Sith artifacts to assemble into costumes.

    • February 1, 2015 at 1:43 am
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      Yeah I don’t think people are not realizing it’s the one where he looks like he has an insulated coffee cup thing as a mask. It definitely is his cape and Saber though. Heard he might have several masks.

  • January 31, 2015 at 10:53 pm
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    I hope for his sake he was smart enough to use TOR..

  • January 31, 2015 at 11:05 pm
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    What about everyone who re-posted it on their sites or on fan forums? I wonder if Lucasfilm could sue them AND win.

    If I post it right here right now, would it be deleted by the MODs? And would Lucasfilm sue me, too?

    But…but……I love Star Wars.
    (sniff, sniff)
    :'(

    • January 31, 2015 at 11:12 pm
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      There is a ‘newsworthy’ exception in the US copyright act. Since there is no official standard to be considered a journalist, all those forum posts are legal.

  • January 31, 2015 at 11:22 pm
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    What about the guy who leaked the unpainted action figures? That must’ve REALLY set the mouse squad off.

    • February 1, 2015 at 12:32 am
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      It did, but that image was leaked from the People’s Republic of China. Mickey Mouse has little authority to enforce anything over there. Google ‘Chinese copyright piracy’ for further info.

      • February 1, 2015 at 1:18 am
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        I recall the image in question is no longer on that message board.

      • February 1, 2015 at 7:15 am
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        Hey, I live in China.

        If anyone has any spoilers or pictures that they’re afraid they’ll get busted for, pass them down here. I’ll post them!

    • February 1, 2015 at 12:41 am
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      Notice that it is Lucasfilm that it taking legal action. Not “the mouse”. people can’t help but make witty commentary on Disney’s ownership. Meanwhile Lucasfilm has been calling most of the shots.

      • February 1, 2015 at 2:49 am
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        I think he was just making the point that even Disney can’t even file copyright claims in China

        • February 1, 2015 at 4:19 pm
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          Correct.

        • February 2, 2015 at 5:02 am
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          The comment was directed to the “mouse squad” comment. If it was for the China comment, it would have been under that one. And AGAIN, it’s not disney. It’s lucasfilm, regardless.

  • January 31, 2015 at 11:55 pm
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    This proves that the “leaked” Abu Dhabi pics were done on purpose.

    • February 2, 2015 at 5:04 am
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      No it doesn’t.

      • February 2, 2015 at 5:52 am
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        No? then please explain yourself, smart ass.

        • February 2, 2015 at 3:53 pm
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          Wow, no need to attack someone who disagrees with you. But if you insist on an explanation, I’ll give you one. In this situation Lucasfilm obviously feels that they have a strong case against the person who leaked the image.They may not feel that they have a case with the leak of the Abu Dhabi set photos. If there wasn’t a strong enough trail back to the source then they couldn’t have done much about it now could they. Another perspective on the matter is that we are reading about it because they “filed a subpoena request” as was reported in the article. This subpoena was made public. And Lucasfilm filed that subpoena because they were dealing with someone outside of their studio. If they were able to trace the Abu Dhabi photos to someone they employed then they could have dealt with it quietly. There could have been a gag order on who ever they took action against. In that instance, we would never know. So the initial comment was that this “Proves” that the photos were leaked on purpose. And again I say, no it doesn’t. It just proves that Lucasfilm will take action when they are able to. Don’t get me wrong, those Abu Dhabi images could very well have been leaked by the studio but this news does not “prove” that at all.

          • February 2, 2015 at 8:50 pm
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            Whoever leaked the Abu Dhabi stuff is probably swimming with the fishes by now. JJ owns a big boat!

  • January 31, 2015 at 11:58 pm
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    Nevertheless, it just shows the new feel of the SW franchise under the Disney murder machine.
    To the person who leak the photo…….
    “hey, you’re Fu&ed”.

    • February 1, 2015 at 1:23 am
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      I think if that was the case then they would be going after Mr. Plinkett. They’re not.. so far..

  • February 1, 2015 at 12:11 am
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    Are they talking about that pic with that dude wearing a metallic-style mask holding up that crossblade lightsaber? I remember the picture not being very clear either. Is this the damn pic they’re talking about? That shit was posted everywhere on the internet and I thought there was a link provided on this site as well.

    Either way. Bringing up a lawsuit means the image is legit and/or in the movie. It may have been better to ignore it just to keep things unknown/unclear. It’s not like they’re hurting for money.

    • February 1, 2015 at 12:23 am
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      Or it’s not legit, but deliberate misinformation and some free publicity also!

      • February 1, 2015 at 1:12 am
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        I don’t think that they’d get the law involved if it were a fake picture. I think that would be illegal on their part if they fabricated everything.

        Also, I don’t believe that there’s really going to be a misinformation campaign at all.

        • February 1, 2015 at 1:44 am
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          Well as we see its at least his Saber and cape.

        • February 1, 2015 at 2:06 am
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          Maybe somebody got info about what the lightsaber looked like and that there was a ‘masked’ figure who had it, and made their own
          fan version. So while the lightsaber is real, the masked figure looks totally different.

          • February 1, 2015 at 2:26 pm
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            That’s a possibility. I thought the pic looked kind of cool, I just think it’s interesting Lucasfilm/Disney would admit (via lawsuit) that the image is official material. Lots of other people hated the mf so they probably don’t even care about the image.

            The lawsuit is pointless. There’s no monetary gain—Disney isn’t going to get much out of some average-Joe dude who posted a fuckin Star Wars pic on the internet.
            What the fuck do you think will really happen here?! You think a judge is gonna garnish his paycheck for the next couple of decades to pay a copyright fine? Jail?! Come on man, please!!!

  • February 1, 2015 at 12:36 am
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    Dozens of images and plot info has leaked and they only sue this person?

    • February 1, 2015 at 12:43 am
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      The only person that has been brought attention to.

    • February 1, 2015 at 12:45 am
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      They might be seeking out others. But in this case they may believe the imageshack upload to be the original leak. If so, they’ll want the IP/identity, especially if it’s from someone internal.

      Some of the other leaks may have been intentional, or they’ve already sought out and dealt with the extras who were snapping photos, etc.

    • February 1, 2015 at 12:46 am
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      This is probably the only one where they think they have a solid enough of a case to pursue. Can’t file charges if you don’t have evidence of who is responsible, etc.

  • February 1, 2015 at 1:16 am
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    I don’t know the source of the leaks, but you people have said as much there is more out there floating around that hasn’t been seen. I’m guessing nothing will showing up on the Pirate Bay or they are keeping a very tight leash on it unless someone gives up big bucks. Why not contact a tabloid then?

  • February 1, 2015 at 1:32 am
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    They actually have no grounds to sue. The person who posted that image, could have considered it fan art and posted it.

  • February 1, 2015 at 3:01 am
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    It makes sense to why they’re doing it. It’s not even a matter of being genuinely angry about the leak, but it’s sending a message to everyone and telling them to back off.

  • February 1, 2015 at 3:11 am
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    It’s not what you know Lucasfilm….it’s what you can prove. Where’s your proof Lucasfilm?!

  • February 1, 2015 at 3:36 am
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    So this board is all of a sudden we against lucasfilm?! Imo you are all a bunch of idiots..offcourse its wrong to post pictures from someone that doesn’t want you to. How would you react if a stranger gets his hands on private pictures of you and post them on the net, then you would be all angry. I dont mind seeing leaked pictures but i shure as hell understand and applaude the reactions and consequenses. Really guys…

    • February 1, 2015 at 7:19 am
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      Understanding leads to logic.

      Logic leads to common sense.

      Common sense leads to a bunch of lonely guys (who have nothing better to do than compare Star Wars movies all day) sending you lots of hate mail.

    • February 2, 2015 at 5:55 am
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      unless you’re a Rush Limbaugh type blaming Jennifer Lawrence for taking nude pictures of herself… and disregarding the guy who stole these pictures from her iCloud account against her will.

  • February 1, 2015 at 5:29 am
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    Just to be sure. The image in question is one in which a character appeared in the desert? The one in which we all thought it was a good cosplay?

    • February 1, 2015 at 8:07 am
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      No, it was on a plain background. It was already discussed here, actually.

  • February 1, 2015 at 5:36 am
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    Well… Now we know the picture is confirmed to be egitimate.

  • February 1, 2015 at 5:36 am
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    And if the uploader is in another country, what then, Lucasfilm? lol

  • February 1, 2015 at 8:03 am
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    good , at some point fans who need to have their fix cos they just cant wait will make film makers go “you know what , i cant be arsed , lets just make transformers and crap comedy movies from now on cos itll be be cheaper in security costs”

  • February 1, 2015 at 8:58 am
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    Lucasfilm needs to get a damn life and realize people are excited … we’ve waited enough for new SW … We already know that we should have it this summer, but Disney already has (Avengers 2) there cash cow for the summer

    • February 7, 2015 at 5:54 am
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      A company that will make billions off the franchise needs to ‘get a life’?

  • February 1, 2015 at 11:47 am
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    Are they talking about the Revan costume? Well anyone can see it by playing Kotor.

  • February 1, 2015 at 1:20 pm
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    very usefull. Has same guy leaked more photos?

  • February 1, 2015 at 1:25 pm
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    Bountyhunter, stupido…its about leaking the crossguard, …anyway google Kylo ren on google images and it will be the first or one of the first pictures, a guy with mask standing in front of a grey background holding his crossguard lightsaber…

  • February 1, 2015 at 5:12 pm
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    Anyone else thing that disney is acting a bit empirish?? lol

    • February 1, 2015 at 6:12 pm
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      Have any Bothan spies died yet?

  • February 1, 2015 at 9:39 pm
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    Dear Lucasfilm & Disney,
    There is no such thing as bad publicity.
    Get over yourselves.

    Regards,

    A sincere fan

    • February 2, 2015 at 5:17 am
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      you can’t blame them for wanting to keep major plot spoilers from leaking. Not to say that his image is a huge spoiler but by taking action it could scare others from leaking more important material. When darth vader revealed that luke was his son, it wouldn’t have been as dramatic that first viewing if you knew ahead of time. Why would you tell Lucasfilm that they should kill such an exciting element of storytelling? I know this is a site that posts leaks but don’t attack the film makers for trying to be the artists.

  • February 2, 2015 at 12:33 pm
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    I’M SICK of hearing things have been leaked and NOT SEEING the damn PHOTOS!!!! -.-‘

  • February 3, 2015 at 2:01 am
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    This will no doubt P**s some people off, and may Well just drive them to pirate the film now instead of going to cinema and paying. I`m sure a good watchable HD/cam leak will pop up a few weeks after release, even a HD/Bluray later on. The leaker did absolutely no harm or hurt anyone at all, and on the contrary created a lot of happiness from it and more interest for the movie. Shame they had to act like this.

  • February 3, 2015 at 2:58 am
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    There’s a leaker out there that’s quickly and quietly looking for a new job in the event he/she is outed, as well those potential leakers taking note.

  • February 3, 2015 at 3:39 am
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    MillenniumFalcon.com stated that they will continue to post info and media just like they have for the “past 12 years”

  • February 3, 2015 at 8:04 pm
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    What if the leak didn’t originate with that one entity? How can they pursue a law suit against a username without definite proof that the image wasn’t originally released elsewhere?

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