StarFlyer Wars

Writs have been issued in London for proceedings in the English Courts against the Dutch companies Van der Beek and Wabucon for infringement of the intellectual property rights in the Starflyer ride owned by Funtime of Austria. Van der Beek's, ‘Around the World’ ride (a Starflyer copy) had been installed in Bristol, England for the Christmas period, but was taken down after a short period of operation and shipped out of the country.

According to a company spokesman Funtime has not granted any company or individual a license to manufacture the Starflyer and the only attraction that does not infringe Funtime’s intellectual property rights is the ride designed and manufactured by them. We want potential customers to know that the Starflyer is a ride with sound patent protection and we encourage anyone to consult with a knowledgeable patent attorney should they consider purchasing a Starflyer or similar ride from anyone other than Funtime. Questions about the Starflyer can be addressed through the company web page on http://www.funtime.com.au/data/index2.htm

Patent Info USA - US2005/0239563

Patent Info EUR - WO2004/067126