Indiana Jones 5 Prop Sparks Explosive Legal Battle Against Lucasfilm

Summary

Clothing companies Frost River and Filson have accused Lucasfilm of misleadingly advertising their backpacks under the Filson label without permission.

Indiana Jones merchandise, including popular items like fedoras and iconic satchels, have a rich history of being highly sought after, presenting potential profit opportunities for clothing manufacturers.

Lucasfilm has encountered legal troubles due to a lawsuit arising from a prop used in the movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. This fifth and final installment of the beloved adventure series, starring Harrison Ford, follows the protagonist archaeologist on a quest to find the missing half of the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient treasure created by mathematician Archimedes. The film, which marked the only Indiana Jones installment not directed by Steven Spielberg, saw Logan director James Mangold take over the project in 2020 after Spielberg's departure.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lucasfilm is currently embroiled in a copyright infringement dispute with competing clothing companies over the use of a backpack worn by Ford's character in their movie. Frost River has filed a lawsuit against Lucasfilm, alleging unauthorized use of their Geologist Pack knapsack and the removal of their trademark markings. Additionally, it is claimed that Lucasfilm allowed Filson, a rival company, to run co-branded advertisements implying that the bags were being sold under their brand.

Why Indiana Jones Costume Pieces Are Big Business

Despite the underwhelming box office performance of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, clothing manufacturers like Frost River may still have valid concerns regarding potential revenue loss from missed product placement opportunities. Co-branded campaigns with major Hollywood franchises offer lucrative prospects for companies seeking to benefit from instant recognition. Moreover, Indiana Jones costume pieces have a notable reputation for being highly coveted items.

Ford's original screen-worn fedoras have been known to fetch up to $500,000 at auction. The style itself has also been popular among Herbert Johnson hatters, who made the actual hats featured in every Indiana Jones movie except for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" in 2008. Moreover, collectors and cosplayers have highly prized the World War II era British Mark VII gas mask bags that serve as Indy's iconic satchel since "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in 1981.

Initially, when "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" was announced, it was hoped that the film would be a fitting and profitable conclusion for a much-beloved character. However, Lucasfilm is currently dealing with disappointment over the movie's lackluster financial performance alongside this ongoing legal dispute. Hopefully, the studio will find a resolution that benefits and satisfies all parties involved, allowing fans to once again celebrate Ford's time as one of cinema's greatest action heroes.

Source: THR