Disney's Lucasfilm Is Reportedly Suing a Star Wars-Themed Car Wash

roadandtrack.com ^ | December 28, 2023 | JOE KUCINSKI

[lowbridge]

A small Chilean car wash named "Star Wash" is being sued by the Walt Disney production company Lucasfilm over its resemblances to the iconic "Star Wars" media franchise, Reuters reports.

The law firm representing the small business claims that Lucasfilm wants to block the use of the name Star Wash. The media enterprise argues that the car wash could mistakenly be confused as being affiliated with the “Star Wars” franchise, Reuters reports.

Star Wash is located near the Chilean capital Santiago. The business has its employees dress up as various characters from the popular “Star Wars” film franchise. Star Wash uses the same “Star Wars” font in their signage while incorporating a little car into the logo. It all seems to be in good fun, but the lawyers see it differently.

The owner of the car wash is Matias Jara. The law firm representing him explains that he was in the process of registering his brand with Chilean patent authority INAPI when he received the lawsuit from Lucasfilm. Lucasfilm does not seem to be concerned about the employees dressed as characters from “Star Wars," but it is concerned over the Star Wash name. The name was thought of by Jara’s young daughter after a trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Reuters reports.

[Made In The USA]

The Star Wars brand is concerned that the car wash doesn’t make white males uncomfortable, or their DEI program doesn’t adequately promote hiring of LGBTQR736:+7$/@ properly? The farce be with you.

[z3n]

[Red Badger]

Okay, just rename it STRAW WARS...................

[Red Badger]

[Red Badger]

[Yardstick]

1) If they feature a Leiah character in a metal bikini with a soapy sponge, they’re going to be millionaires

2) This proves Disney really is the Evil Empire

3) Worth watching the video to see hispanic Vader do his mind choke on cashier guy

[CatOwner]

George Lucas was notorious for suing just about anyone with regards to Star Wars (and non-Star Wars complaints). Disney is just keeping up the tradition.

[Libloather]

[KarlInOhio]

Suds up that wookie and use him as a full body wash glove.

A little more seriously, you've got to protect your trademarks or you risk losing them. This is pretty clearly a violation, but I don't know how Chile's laws work in this case.

[butlerweave]

Desperate for cash ? LOL

[Red Badger]

Disney is extremely protective of its trademarks and always has been. We have a local Putt-Putt type golf attraction within walking distance of my house that's named 'Goofy Golf'. On their sign they had a small characterization that resembled Disney's Goofy cartoon character. Not exact, but close. Faded from Florida sun exposure for decades it was not even in full color any more. It had been in business for decades when suddenly the Disney lawyers showed up. The establishment could keep its name 'Goofy' but had to remove the face of the character on the sign.

[Red Badger]

Disney has done this since before Lucas was born.................

[Sirius Lee]

Let the games begin!

[SaveFerris]

Star Wash.... gimme those Star Wash.....

Don’t let them end....

https://youtube.com/shorts/-nbuJB6FsWU?si=tgwZ2dfcvDRc4RwC

[Antoninus]

“Let’s get one thing absolutely straight. No one is ruining the Star Wars franchise except Disney. You got that, Bucko?”

[LittleBillyInfidel]

Can’t have car washes tarnishing the brand. That’s the job of insecure inexperienced Asian female documentary directors to do!

[EastTexasTraveler]

I bet the car wash makes more money than Disney.

[jmcenanly]

It is ironic that a car wash would name itself after a franchise noted for dirty, banged up vehicles.

[Honest Nigerian]

The publicity will be good for business at the car wash.
And Disney has to do the lawsuit moves to protect their intellectual property.