The global license will allow the company to begin producing replicas this year and Master Replicas president Scott Vogel says the first products may be available this summer.

"We are very gratified that VCP has chosen us as a partner for Star Trek,” Vogel said in a press release. “Star Trek has an extremely large, knowledgeable, and passionate fan base, and we are excited to deliver products that will meet and exceed expectations. We’ve already begun the development of several products, and expect to see our first products available for order late this summer.”

Master Replicas creates a limited number of prop replicas and uses a rigorous process to ensure authencitiy. This includes digital scanning of the original props, detailed interviews with production personnel and hand-assembly of each piece. VCP's senior vice president Terri Helton assures TREK fans that the company will produce quality merchandise.

"We are extremely impressed with the track record of Master Replicas, including their commitment to product authenticity and quality," she said. "We are excited to have them as a partner to deliver great product to our loyal fans."

For more of the press release, visit RebelScum.com. Thanks to 'fx7' for the link.

In other TREK products news, the Region 2 Project reports that Paramount's UK Home Video division will not pursue a region 2 release of the newest series, ENTERPRISE, in 2003.

"In order to continuously bring quality product to the marketplace and implement a universal release strategy for Star Trek, Paramount Home Entertainment (UK) Ltd will be focusing on Deep Space Nine and Star Trek Motion Pictures in 2003," the site posted from an official statement. "At this stage there is no confirmed release date for ENTERPRISE, however any release of this brand going forward will be based on a coordinated worldwide approach."

You can reach the original report here.