9:23 PM
pocketstyle
That was because Steve Liu's Wicked Lasers weren't actually "lightsabers". That was just a name given to them by the media.
Now on this May the Fourth — a date cherished by Star Wars geeks the world over — Mr Liu has upped the ante, releasing a double-handed laser for the menacing Sith social climber in us all.
He's even called it the "Sith Series".
"We consulted a number of attorneys — as we wanted to avoid what happened last year," Mr Liu told news.com.au.
"We came to the conclusion that Lucasfilm's trademark 'Sith' does not cover our category of laser products.
"We are planning to file a trademark shortly for this term for our own use."
Wicked Lasers' Arctic Pro Spyder III laser raised the ire of George Lucas last year — but it attracted attention even before that due to the strength of the beam, which is 1000 times the legal Australian limit.
That means it's 1000 times stronger than sunlight on the skin and can blind in a millisecond if shone into the eyes. You are only allowed to own one if you're a member of an astronomy club or society.
The "Sith Series" wields the same power, except at both ends — similar to the lightsaber used by a certain apprentice now spinning through space in two pieces after falling into a reactor chasm.
So why make a double-handed laser?
"Everyone we showed it to said it was insanely cool," Mr Liu said.
"At Wicked Lasers, we strive to be first in all things lasers (and) there wasn't a double-handed laser on the market yet.
"For us, that's usually enough to go ahead and take the time and effort to make it."
Mr Liu admits the double beams of the Sith Series "almost crosses the line" when it comes to looking out for the wellbeing of his customers, but says anyone who wants to buy one has to pass certain tests and watch a safety video before getting the goods.
"We are not limiting its power and I have to restate that these are insanely dangerous," he said.
Last year there was all sorts of hysteria after kids started posting videos on YouTube showing the Spyder III lighting cigarettes and popping street lights.
Currently, the Sith Series' only option is dual Arctic Pro Spyder III lasers as its "blades", but Mr Liu said additional colour and power combos would be available in the future.
He said while Wicked's lasers had found a serious market in "numerous scientific, industrial, and military applications", most of their customers were "early adopters who have a natural affinity to the latest cutting-edge technology, whatever it is".
"I think that watching sci-fi movies and playing video games when we were younger has a lot to do with it," he told news.com.au.
And far from holding any grudges against Lucas for last year's stoush, Mr Liu said the company had learned several valuable lessons from the experience.
"Lucas is one of the most influential visionaries of the century and everyone at WL has been big fans," he said.
"His work reminds us that anything we imagine or dream can be made into reality... as long as we choose the right path."
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