> I'm assuming the original LEGO bricks are out of patent (which may be relevant here as well) but other parts may not be. My understanding is patents protect

> I'm assuming the original LEGO bricks are out of patent (which may be relevant here as well) but other parts may not be. My understanding is patents protect Lego from other entities reproducing brick designs based on their patents. (Think Lepin lego clone bricks:https://technicstory.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/servo2.jpg https://technicstory.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/servo2.j...) If patent means people cannot create objects (copyrighted or not) from Lego bricks without infringing on Lego patent, the point of the toy is moot. > some LEGO sets are presumably licensed from the holders of trademarks or other IP (as in the case of Star Wars sets). Correct, I'm sure if someone made a Tie-fighter out of lego and started selling it, Disney could come after them, because it infringes on their trademark and possibly registered copyright.