Ticking Clocks and Broken Toys Keep Paul Simon and George Lucas Up At Night

Posted by Eriq Gardner

In a galaxy far, far away, storm troopers may one day file a class action lawsuit against the Empire because their outfitted scooters aren't strong enough or their outfitted bikes contain lead paint. But for now, these alleged deformities are at the heart of a beef between LucasArts and China-based toy manufacturer Rand International.

Rand is suing LucasArts because it claims the "Star Wars" filmmaker conspired with Toys R Us to evade a merchandise licensing agreement. According to the complaint, LucasArts wanted to amend the license agreement so that Rand's competitor could sell scooters and bikes to Toys R Us and when Rand refused, Toys R Us conducted tests that illustrated problems with Rand's goods, allowing LucasArts to terminate Rand's license agreement. Rand alleges unspecified monetary damages.

Meanwhile, singer/songwriter Paul Simon is suing over clocks. Yup. Alleging that a Japanese subsidiary of Seiko has been selling wall clocks that play the tune, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," Simon is suing for copyright infringement in US federal court in Manhattan for $10 million.