Lego and Mega Brands face off over toy bricks

Added: (Thu Jan 19 2012)

Pressbox (Press Release) - The two companies have been having legal issues over the toy bricks for several years. In furtherance to the issue, Mega Brands has filed a suit in the US District Court of Central District of California. At the outset, they seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in order to ensure that their products continue to be sold in United States. In due course they are also seeking other remedies so that they aren't affected by Lego's mark.

Lego has had a patent for their famous eight knob patter of toy bricks. The patent expired in 1978 but they are continuing to use it by exercise their legal rights under trademark and other laws. Courts in several countries including the US have struck down their claims and held that trademarks cannot be used for functional elements, the toy bricks in this case.

Mega Brands believes that seeking trademark for shapes of interlocking bricks in construction sets shouldn't be permissible. Their actions make it evident that they will continue marketing their products and will not let Lego jeopardise it.