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Dangerous Lightsaber-Like Laser On Sale?

Posted By Mike on July 24, 2010

Sky News reports on the rather interesting news story below...

"A handheld laser likened to a Star Wars lightsabre and so powerful it can instantly blind and "set fire to skin and other body parts" can be bought online and shipped to the UK.

The device - with a beam 1,000 times stronger than sunlight on the skin - is touted by makers as "the most dangerous laser ever created".

Trading standards chiefs said they were "seriously concerned" about the sale of the model and have warned against its use.

As well as blinding, burning and causing cancer, its Hong Kong-based maker admits that "a split-second laser light in a plane cockpit (...) can be disastrous".

Star Wars fans are among hundreds of people who have already shown an interest in buying the laser, for sale to the general public for ?135."

Read the full story here and for crying out loud take a lightsaber safety course or something.

UPDATE: Gizmodo reports that Lucasfilm has issued a cease and desist order to Wicked Lasers in regards to the Spyder III Arctic laser, along with the following press release:

SAN FRANCISCO--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Earlier this week, Wicked Lasers released photos and information regarding the "Pro Arctic Laser," a product designed to resemble the famous lightsaber hilt from the Star Wars Saga. Described by Wicked Lasers as "the most dangerous laser ever created," the product description goes on to say that "extremely dangerous is an understatement."

Lucasfilm's General Counsel David Anderman had this response:

?It has come to our attention that a company called Wicked Lasers is selling a highly dangerous product out of Hong Kong that is designed to look like a lightsaber from Star Wars. This product is not licensed or approved by Lucasfilm in any way. We have demanded that Wicked Lasers immediately cease and desist their infringing activities. As Wicked Lasers itself admits, this product can cause serious injury to the user and other people. We strongly discourage consumers from purchasing it.?

STAR WARS?, and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & ? Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

We'll keep you posted as we hear more.

Thanks to Jay for the link!

UPDATE #2: Representatives from Wicked Lasers are firing back at the Lucasfilm C&D order according to News.com.au:

"Wicked Lasers CEO Steve Liu has dismissed the claims, telling news.com.au that he found it ?strange? as they had never referred to the Arctic Pro as a "lightsaber".

?Allegations of Wicked Lasers using any association to the Lucasfilm Star Wars light saber in our design or in our promotion of the Spyder III Arctic handheld laser are not based on fact and their demands will not be satisfied.?

Mr Liu says that the "lightsaber" tag was one given by the media, and not by Wicked Lasers.

He said the device was not designed to intentionally look like the fictional weapon.

Mr Liu conceded that there were similarities between the two devices, namely that ?they are both cylindrical, handheld, and dangerous to use without following safety protocol? but they have one important difference.

?The blue diode (of the Spyder III) is the result of decades of scientific research by laser pioneer Shuji Nakamura," he said.

"The other is from the ingenious creativity of George Lucas.?

The matter is yet to be settled."

The full article can be read here. We'll continue to keep you posted as more develops.

UPDATE #3: Um, so the actual C&D is up for auction now?

Source: Movieline.com (Thanks Vehder!)

UPDATE #4: Boing Boing reports that the C&D letter auction has closed and it sold for $3,850. Based on the eBay history of the buyer, Cory at Boing Boing believes the sale to be legit and not just a publicity stunt. (Thanks Jay!)

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