Lucasfilm's breach of copyright suit with London prop designer Andrew Ainsworth has begun in the English High Court.

Although Lucasfilm has already won a suit in California against Twickenham based Andrew Ainsworth, who designed the Stormtrooper outfits for the original Star Wars movie in 1976, they have to pass the ruling through the Chancery division of the High Court for it to be effective.

According to a report in The Daily Telegraph, Ainsworth found an original helmet cast at his home in 2004, and began selling replica helmets and suits to fans for up to £1,500 each. Ainsworth claims that Lucasfilm's copyright has expired, or if it does exist, that he has designer's rights, which entitle him to a cut of the merchandising profits.

Lucas Licensing emphasised that although they have no problem with fans showcasing enthusiasm for the movies, "anyone who tries to profit from using our copyrights and trademarks without authorisation becomes an infringer and we will go after them."

Click here for all the latest news in the official Star Wars magazine!