My project skirts very close to infringing the rights or Lucas Films :) Hence in my design, I have been careful to ensure that it does not resemble any of the astromechs that exist in the Star wars films or franchaise. I have designed the internal skeleton / structure. Details that depict the exact astromech was omitted.

I believe that they would sue if I made money from selling the astromechs. Hence I am not going to build them and sell them. However I do intend to have my astromechs out there in the hands of fans. So how do I plan to do it?

My plan forward is as follows.

1) Upon completion of the project. I will make the 3D CAD files and Eagle files available. Full documentation of the Machining processes would also be made available to public. Fans would know of what machines they require to learn to use to make the necessary components. All this would be pointing towards the Fablab@SP facilities. Encourage fans that they can look for a Fablab in their city and build their very own astromech.

2) Attend local Starwars Conventions and Comic conventions to gain publicity and create awareness. Let them know how easy it is to build.

3) Conduct mini- workshops throughout the year on the planning and building of an astromech.

4) Becuse the Astromechs are built by themselves, they would be responsible for future repairs and maintenance. Hence there is no need to plan for repair centres as the Fablab structure exists already to build/repair almost anything.

5) Check with Lucas Film if the above plan would be of a concern to them. Perhaps there may be a need to draft a short legal document to ensure that builders do not build and sell their astromech and violate copyrights of Lucas Films.

6) There is zero financial initial outlay and profit gained from this would be indirect. As membership to the Fablab and use of its facilities would increase due to this program.