Soldier serving in Sutton Heath, near Woodbridge, speaks of ordeal after seven-year-old son Loki Skywalker Mowbray, whose middle name is inspired by Star Wars, refused passport for copyright issues

A family have spoken of their ordeal after their seven-year-old son, whose middle name is inspired by the Star Wars films, was refused a passport due to copyright issues.

Christian Mowbray, 48, is a serving soldier in The Corps of Royal Engineers at the Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath, near Woodbridge.

He and his wife Becky, a former serving soldier, booked a holiday to the Dominican Republic at the end of October, the family’s first since 2014 due to their demanding work schedules and Becky’s struggles with Complex PTSD.

However, when they tried to secure a passport for their youngest child, Loki Skywalker Mowbray, the Home Office refused it on copyright grounds, telling the family to either change his name or get permission from the copyright owner, Disney.

Skywalker is the family name of characters at the heart of the Star Wars film franchise, which is owned by Disney.

“We were not aware that this could be a potential issue,” said Christian. “We understand that Loki's middle name is copyrighted, but we have no intention of using it for personal gain.

“I understand their (the Home Office) position and reasoning, but I believe they need to recognize that modern names are evolving.

“I can understand if an adult changes their name for a ‘stunt’, but this is not the case for a child from birth.”

Christian said the situation caused ‘significant stress’ for the entire family as they may have had to cancel their holiday and they would have been ‘deeply saddened’ if they had to change their son’s name.

Loki was born on May 4, which is celebrated around the world as Star Wars Day, thus Christian and Becky felt it was a fitting tribute to give him a middle name related to the franchise which has been a big part of Christian’s life since childhood.

In an email to the family detailing the refusal, the Home Office said Loki’s name contained a name ‘which relates to a trademark or copyright’ and it therefore would not issue a passport.

The family then confirmed that, on Friday, the Home Office would be issuing a passport.

Before this, when SuffolkNews approached it for comment, it said the family’s application was ‘being processed’ and apologised for the delay. It then later confirmed it had approved the application.

The family have two other children, Kaycie and Willow. Christian said, with the passport now issued, they will be able to enjoy a ‘much needed’ holiday.