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LEGO Comes to Our Aid by Helping Us Spot A Fake LEGO Webstore

Two years ago, I published an article that that placed the spotlight on various fake LEGO shopping websites that you should avoid if you want your hard-earned money not be put to waste. It’s my little contribution to the LEGO fan community to help us avoid the deceitfulness of these LEGO scam sites. And now that we are in full steam ahead of the holiday season, I’m personally glad that LEGO has officially spoken on the matter by helping us spot a fake LEGO webstore. Here are some of the guidelines or steps that they’ve released along with a neat infographic. Check these out.

We’re doing everything we can to protect consumers from fraud, and we take the issue of fraudulent and scam websites very seriously. We’re working harder than ever to identify and report as many of these sites as possible and the following simple steps can help you spot a fake, fraudulent, or scam LEGO webstore.

Look closely at the contents of the site.

Spend time looking at the entire website before purchasing anything. Check for incorrect language, fake consumer services addresses, terms and conditions for returns, privacy policy, etc. If you are still in doubt after doing this, try calling the company if a phone number is provided on the page. Often, the phone numbers on fake webstores do not exist or they do not answer calls.

Be cautious of very low prices.

When you see very low prices being offered on LEGO products, it may be a fake webstore that uses the tactic to lure you in to either buy fake LEGO sets or simply take your money.

Pay with debit or credit card.

When buying a LEGO product online, a credit or debit card will often provide greater protection if you’re unfortunate enough to buy fake or non-existent products.

Check customer reviews.

Look at various websites that collect customer reviews – use multiple sources. Check websites that alert about current scam sites.

If you see a potentially fraudulent or scam website claiming to sell LEGO products, please contact customer service at www.LEGO.com/en-us/service.

Remember to shop only at legitimate sites like LEGO Shop@Home and Amazon. Yes, authentic LEGO sets may be hard on the wallet, but an excellent and well-made toy that will last for a lifetime is without a doubt, a worthy investment. Thanks again to LEGO for helping us spot a fake LEGO webstore.

It Looks Like a Great Year Ahead for LEGO and Disney This 2021 and Beyond

Disney is on a roll when it officially revealed during its Walt Disney Co.’s Investor Day presentation, that it has more than 50 new upcoming content in the works in the upcoming years. From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to its very lucrative Star Wars franchise, plus home-grown live-action and animated films, there is plenty of exciting series and films that fans can expect. If there is one thing certain about this partnership between LEGO and Disney, is that LEGO never fails to come up with a set or two for every major title that Disney releases. And with the introduction of a handful of new Marvel and Star Wars series, together with new Disney titles, there is sure to be a LEGO set currently in the works related to these.

Just to be clear, there is no guarantee at this point if LEGO will eventually come up with a particular set for each of these films and series, but then again the potential is always there given LEGO’s track record of releasing tie-in sets. So with that out of the way, let’s take a quick look at these titles and the wealth of possibilities that a collaboration between LEGO and Disney may come out later on. Comment down below what kind of LEGO sets do you think will be included under these titles.

Star Wars Films

Rogue Squadron – December 2023

An Untitled Taika Waititi Film – ????

Star Wars Series on Disney+

Obi-Wan Kenobi – 2022

Ahsoka – ????

Rangers of the New Republic – December 2021

Lando – ????

Andor – 2022

The Acolyte – ????

Star Wars: The Bad Batch – 2021

A Droid Story – ????

Star Wars: Visions – ????

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Films

Black Widow – May 7, 2021

LEGO has already released a tie-in set for the upcoming MCU Black Widow film in the form of the LEGO Marvel Black Widow’s Helicopter Chase (76162).

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – July 9, 2021

The Eternals – November 5, 2021

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – March 25, 2022

Thor: Love and Thunder – May 6, 2022

Black Panther 2 – July 8, 2022

Captain Marvel 2 – November 11, 2022

Blade – 2022

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – 2022

Fantastic Four – ????

Marvel Series (MCU tie-ins) on Disney+

Wanda Vision – January 15, 2021

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – March 19, 2021

Loki – May, 2021

What If…? – Summer, 2021

Ms. Marvel – 2021

Hawkeye – 2021

She-Hulk – ????

Moon Knight – ????

Secret Invasion – ????

Ironheart – ????

Armor Wars – ????

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special – 2022

I am Groot – ????

LEGO Shows Off Its adidas Originals ZX 8000 LEGO Shoes

LEGO seems to be on fire about its mission of bringing its brand across other facets of every AFOL’s life. From shirts to jeans and storage solutions, LEGO has now partnered with Adidas to launch its first official collaboration under the shoe company’s A-ZX branding. The adidas Originals ZX 8000 LEGO Shoes may sound like a pair of sneakers that Marty McFly will gladly wear in Back to the Future, and might as well tug all the right nostalgic heartstrings from a true LEGO fan.

This pair of LEGO-inspired shoes are slated to be released globally on September 25 via and is expected to retail somewhere between 120-130 USD. Here’s LEGO’s official video reveal followed by The LEGO Group’s official press release. To know more about the adidas A-ZX series and where you can get this latest brick-inspired pair, you may check it out right here.

adidas Originals and the LEGO Group Team Up for a Special Take on the ZX 8000 Silhouette

Herzogenaurach, September 21, 2020: For the next installment of this year’s A-ZX series, adidas Originals has teamed up with the LEGO Group for a playful take on the ZX8000 silhouette. Demonstrating that you’re never too old to play, this unique release sees the Danish toy company bring its instantly recognizable aesthetics to an adidas archival icon.

So what does it look like? Designed as an ode to the classic LEGO® brick, this unique ZX8000 sneaker is comprised of a multicolor mesh and synthetic suede upper with a rubber outsole. Meanwhile, taking its bold aesthetics to the next level, the shoe features LEGO studs on the heels as well as co-branded tongue tabs. Then, rounding out the look are co-branded yellow sock liners, 6 different colored lace options, and interchangeable LEGO brick lace jewels.

Where can you get it? The adidas Originals ZX 8000 LEGO sneakers launch globally on September 25th through adidas.com/A-ZX.

About A-ZX

In 1984 adidas changed the world of footwear forever. Launching its first-ever running franchise, the ZX series, the brand showed that performance sneakers could elevate runners of all types and abilities. Revered by running purists and sneaker enthusiasts alike, ZX quickly became a modern icon. Over a decade after ZX’s inaugural release, adidas Originals returned with a celebration dubbed ‘A-ZX’. The unique program saw some of the brand’s most esteemed global partners each collaborate on 26 distinct ZX drops over the course of 2008 and 2009. In 2020, adidas Originals is bringing back A-ZX with a bang, propelling the iconic franchise firmly into the future.

ZX 8000 LEGO Shoes Yellow FZ3482 41 detail

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What’s Inside: Taking Apart the LEGO Super Mario Figure

The latest line of LEGO Super Mario sets are out now, and in case you have purchased your own LEGO Super Mario Starter Course (71360) already, you may have already taken notice of the pretty neat features that come with the battery-powered LEGO Super Mario figure. Beyond the Brick’s Boone Langston took it a level deeper by breaking down this latest piece of LEGO tech to see what makes up this LEGO-version of Mario. The result is both amazing and well, a bit creepy. Watch this.

First things first, Boone assured us that this particular LEGO Super Mario figure is a defective unit. It turns on with the flashes and Bluetooth indicator and all but fails to connect to its accompanying app probably because of software issues. From the get-go, it only requires a few pieces to be removed to access LEGO Mario’s battery compartment. However, things become trickier from there on if you intend to literally dismantle him. Just watching Boone pry open the sides of the figure and creating that irreversible damage left me a bit cringy. I’m sure Boone also felt the same in doing so, but for the sake of discovery, we have to press on.

If your heart breaks in watching this, then you may want to skip at around the 11:50 mark to see all the things that make up our little brick buddy. As you can see from the screengrab below, this particular unit can still turn on with its LED screen in perfect working order, after taking such a beating.

I find it find weird if not a bit creepy looking at LEGO Mario with his face removed from the LED screen. Frankly, I don’t know which is more weird-looking: the outer plastic shell or the lit-up LED screen. The former looking like a ghostly shell, while the latter looks like a jumpsuit-wearing skeleton that looks at you in a very creepy way. I guess will never look at this LEGO Super Mario the same way again.

If you’re still missing out on all the hype about this latest LEGO offering, be sure to check the rest of the LEGO Super Mario expansion sets, together with the theme’s nostalgic 18+ set, the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (71374) building set.

The LEGO Super Mario Starter Course (71360) is available now together with the rest of its expansion packs.

Thanks again to Boone Langston and Beyond the Brick for sharing this breakdown video and reviving the soul of this LEGO Mario figure along the way.

First LEGO IKEA BYGGLEK Storage Solutions Appears in Germany

Back in 2018, LEGO and Netherlands-based furniture/storage company IKEA have partnered together to offer innovative storage solutions that are both practical and inventive at the same time. Eventually dubbed as IKEA BYGGLEK, we now get to see this line’s initial offerings.

Promobricks have shared several images of the LEGO IKEA BYGGLEK line of storage solutions, plus a LEGO BYGGLEK (40357) set that goes with the storage boxes nicely. The LEGO IKEA BYGGLEK storage boxes come in three sizes, all in a white color scheme: A Small Box (26x18x12 cm), A Large Box (35x26x12 cm), and a 3-in-1 Combi Box.

What is also common in all three offerings is that they all come with studded top covers that also doubles as a sort of baseplate. I can already imagine several ways on how this can be useful in terms of storing your LEGO bricks and pieces. Each side of the storage boxes, particularly the Small and Large ones, also features a 6-stud wide recessed portion, while the Combi Box features a 4-stud wide space. This is particularly helpful if you want to add a bit of personality to your LEGO IKEA BYGGLEK storage box, or simply labeling your box by putting the appropriate LEGO piece right in that space. A rough Google translation offers us the following product description for this collection of storage solutions.

“This is not just a simple box with a lid, it is a treasure chest full of tempting game ideas; a house that you can furnish; a staircase, a kit for creative people. And much more if you want.”

This initial offering also includes the LEGO BYGGLEK (40357) set that comes in at 201 pieces. The set features several LEGO pieces and two minifigures to kickstart your creative play with the LEGO IKEA BYGGLEK storage line. What is neat about this set is that the minifigs feature the iconic minifigure face print that older LEGO fans will enjoy.

According to the personnel of the IKEA store where these storage solutions were found, an official release date may be slated sometime next month, or in October at the most. However, as of to date, these offerings are not yet listed at the IKEA US online store so will probably need to wait a bit longer.

A Message Of Hope In LEGO Bricks

The day is almost done for most of us, but in this part of the world, it has just begun. And though I’m inclined to say that this may not necessarily mean the best time to relax, kick back and just let the noise of the day simply fade out, the troubles that we are currently facing and the uncertainty of a future that lies ahead create a whirlwind of questions and uneasiness that makes it difficult to enjoy this day the way we are accustomed to. The usual excitement for that annual egg-hunting activity every Easter Sunday, and the usual festivities associated with it, are to be brutally honest, dampened in most parts of the Christian world. I’m not in the habit of making our blogsite a forum of religious preferences, but for this Easter Sunday, allow me to share this MOC by Danish builder Lasse Vestergård. Not only does this brick sculpture deserves to be applauded for clearly conveying the most important event in Christianity’s history, but it resonates with a clear and strong message of hope in these trying times. Considering the depth of meaning behind Lasse’s brick-built interpretation of the Easter Story, it surely echoes with joy and hope wherever we are.

Lasse’s MOC is filled with light-hearted, striking contrasts both aesthetically and figuratively – from the color scheme itself to the MOC’s entire concept. It even retains some of the smart humor that LEGO is known for, particularly from the way Jesus’ smiling face was built, and even doing a thumbs-up sign and boldly showing off the nail marks on his hands. The contrast between the defeated figure of death and that of the bed of flowers is a very creative and straightforward way of showing how death and suffering are forever conquered through the resurrection of Jesus. Death simply doesn’t stand a chance in this pivotal wrestling match – even if it comes in the shape and form of a novel coronavirus.

For more of Lasse’s brick interpretation of Jesus’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, check out the rest of his creations right here. For more Easter fun builds that you can try while staying at home, be sure to check out Tyler’s Quarantine Creations and even LEGO’s #LetsBuildTogether campaign.

Let’s all share a message of hope on this day. And on behalf of the rest of the Brick Show Team, HAPPY EASTER everyone!

Lego Easter Bunnies — Photo credit to Kevin Poulton for this LEGO Easter Bunnies image.

150+ LEGO Brand Stores to Close Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

These are trying times indeed, and as the world frantically struggles to put an end to this modern-day pandemic, the LEGO Group is now doing its share to combat this scourge labeled as COVID-19. After announcing the temporary closure of the famed LEGO House in Denmark (one of the countries in the EU region severely hit by this pandemic), TLG is now making the sad but necessary move of closing its approximately 150 LEGO Brand Stores worldwide, with the exception of those located in China particularly in Shanghai and Beijing.

The said LEGO Brand Stores will be closed until March 27, or until such time that local health authorities see it fit to lift any bans or restrictions due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Though LEGO assures us that their online store is still operational, I’m still not quite sure how the deliveries will commence if strict quarantine procedures are now in place in your respective communities.

Here’s what Niels Christiansen, CEO of the LEGO Group has to say about this news.

An open letter from Niels B Christiansen, CEO, The LEGO Group

The health and safety of children and communities worldwide is our top priority.

We are working extremely hard to protect our colleagues, our customers and of course, our youngest fans.

To reduce the risk of the virus spreading further, we’ve rapidly stepped up our efforts in every country where we operate.

We’ve temporarily closed the approximately 150 LEGO® Brand Retail stores we own and operate until at least March 27 in all countries except China. Our online store on LEGO.com remains open. Our retail store colleagues will receive their scheduled wages until this time.

Every colleague whose job allows them to work from home must do so. For colleagues whose job requires them to come to work, we are taking extraordinary measures to safeguard their health. For example, we will conduct temperature checks on employees and implement mandatory hand washing and sanitizing. We’ve rearranged our workplaces to ensure that colleagues do not gather in large groups and practice social distancing. Naturally, we have canceled all travel.

We’re monitoring the situation continuously and will take whatever steps are necessary to promote well-being.

One thing I am certain of is the awesomeness of the people who work at the LEGO Group and our fans. One of our company values is caring. The way everyone is looking after each other is truly inspiring. We’re listening to you, and we take strength from the fact that play and learning can bring families together for moments of joy, even at the most uncertain times.

We will get through this together.

Stay safe, stay home and stay strong.

Niels

As I write this post, our national government has placed our larger community in lockdown until the middle of April. And I’m sure that as you read this, you might be going through the same unpleasant experience of having your movements curtailed and extremely limited. With plenty of time in our hands as we stay home, I’m thankful that our LEGO bricks are here to somewhat lift our spirits. So in case you missed out on that one LEGO set that you so are so eager to have because of this outbreak, then just hang on tight and remember that things can still be pretty awesome wherever you are.

Keep safe everyone and keep on building!

The LEGO House Closes Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

It’s not really easy writing this one, especially when your mind is occupied with so many things going on around the world, specifically in connection with COVID-19. Because as it turns out, all of us are vulnerable from this menacing, silent disease and The LEGO Group (TLG) understands that very well. In its recent announcement via its LEGO House website, TLG advises those who have plans to visit the LEGO House anytime soon to defer their plans for the time being now that Denmark is virtually on lockdown because of this pandemic. Here’s the official press release:

LEGO House is closed due to COVID-19

Based on the Danish authorities’ announcement of the closure of Denmark, LEGO House is unfortunately closed up till and including Sunday 29 March 2020. We are concerned about the situation and very sad to have to disappoint all of you who were looking forward to enjoying the world’s best play date.

If you have purchased a ticket for LEGO House from now until Sunday, March 29, 2020, we will refund your ticket automatically. If your ticket is valid after March 29, 2020, we would like to move to another date, but the ticket is non-refundable for the time being.

Our team is working hard on the reimbursement process and within 2-3 business days, you’ll receive the refunds in your account.

Since we are in contact with many guests, we ask you to have patience if you experience delay in our replies.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update as soon as new information is available.

Updated Thursday, March 12 at 2.30 pm

This is a welcomed move from The LEGO Group in support of the Danish government to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As of press time, Denmark is essentially on lockdown, with a total number of 514 confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients and 1,303 in quarantine. Let’s all hope and pray that this will all be over soon. Keep safe everyone!

Lepin Loses in Court – Final Decisions in Favor for The LEGO Group

After a seemingly long road of protecting its copyrights, The LEGO Group and fans of the brand have another reason to celebrate. Since news of TLG’s legal actions against Chinese counterfeit brand, Lepin, came out two years ago, the Guangzhou Intellectual Property Court in China has now laid out its final decisions in favor of LEGO. Ultimately, Lepin loses in court and consumers once again are protected from fake LEGO products.

After the November 2018 ruling against Shantou Meizhi Model Co., Ltd, the company responsible for the production and proliferation of Lepin products both locally and internationally, has filed several appeals in court. However, in its final decision, the courts have found the defendant guilty of 18 counts of copyright infringement against the LEGO brand.

Furthermore, Shantou Meizhi Model Co. is ordered to pay The LEGO Group the total amount of RMB 4.7 million, around DKK 4.5 million (approximately $700,000) for damages, make a public apology on the country’s most widely recognized toy organization websites, and to finally cease the production of such LEGO counterfeit products.

Here’s the complete press release that details what will happen next now that Lepin loses in court. For authentic LEGO products and sets, be sure to check with LEGO Shop@Home or at your nearest LEGO brand store.

The LEGO Group wins final decisions in major intellectual property lawsuits against Lepin manufacturer in China

The LEGO Group announced today that it has received favourable final decisions from the Guangzhou Intellectual Property Court against the appeals raised by defendants of multiple intellectual property infringement cases in China. It marks a significant legal victory for the LEGO Group to combat against imitators.

The court decided to uphold all of the first-instance rulings on the 18 copyright infringement and one unfair competition cases, which were handed down in favour of the LEGO Group in November 2018. These second-instance decisions are final and have entered into legal effect immediately upon issuance.

In these cases, Shantou Meizhi Model Co., Ltd. and its affiliates are liable of manufacturing and selling the infringing Lepin products. The 18 LEGO® sets and corresponding LEGO minifigures at dispute, are ruled as artworks protected under China Copyright Law belonging to the LEGO Group. Unauthorized copies of the same constitute copyright infringement, said the court.

The LEGO NINJAGO, NEXO KNIGHTS, and LEGENDS OF CHIMA series of toy sets are recognized by the court as products of certain influence in China. The trade dress for these products (and packaging) as well as the characters of LEGO NINJAGO are protected under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law in China, the court said in the final ruling.

Meizhi Model and all other defendants are ordered to cease infringement immediately, and to pay the LEGO Group a total of RMB 4.7 million (around DKK 4.5m) as damages. They are also ordered to make a public apology on the websites of China Toy and Juvenile Products Association and Guangdong Toy Association to the LEGO Group for Lepin infringement.

Robin Smith, Vice President and General Counsel, China & Asia Pacific, The LEGO Group, said “[i]ntellectual property rights are very important to the LEGO Group, and we constantly strive to enforce and protect our LEGO trademarks, copyrights, designs and patents. We are pleased with the court’s final decision and appreciate the efforts from all stakeholders in this case. It also shows the Chinese authorities’ commitment in creating a favourable business environment for multinational companies.”

The LEGO Group will follow up with the court on the collection of damages granted and enforcement of public apologies by Meizhi Model. It will also continue to support Shanghai police and procuratorate in the ongoing criminal case against executives of Meizhi Model who were arrested during the police’s raid against Lepin factories in April 2019.

The LEGO Group is dedicated to enforcing intellectual property rights against copiers and infringers and to protect its consumers. It has obtained many positive outcomes in its intellectual property enforcement actions in China in the past several years. In October 2017, the LEGO Group won a case at Shantou Intermediate Court against Bela, a Chinese toy manufacturer, for infringing the copyrights of the LEGO Group and for unfair competition. In another case decided earlier in July 2017, the LEGO logo and the LEGO word mark were recognized by the Beijing Higher Court as “well-known” trademarks in China.

The LEGO Group Takes Over Bricklink

In a rather surprising turn of events this morning, The LEGO Group has officially announced that it will be taking over Bricklink – the world’s largest online marketplace by AFOLs for AFOLs – with the intent of “strengthening engagement” across its growing community of adult fans.

The announcement came in the form of an official press release issued by the company. Bricklink has been in existence for almost two decades when it began as a brainchild of LEGO fan Dan Jezek. Since then it has grown to be the world’s largest LEGO fan-based market place consisting of more than 10,000 stores across 70 countries. It was then acquired by NXMH LLC in 2013 by Korean entrepreneur Jung-Ju Kim.

According to LEGO top brass Niels B Christiansen, Bricklink’s acquisition of the LEGO Group will further deepen collaboration between the company and its growing number of brick fans. It is yet to be seen, however, on how this will be spelled out in actuality. Together with Bricklink, LEGO has also included in its acquisition Sohobricks – a clone brand that specializes in creating bricks that cater to artists and businesses.

Though I would like to give the benefit of the doubt on all of LEGO’s good intentions in taking over Bricklink, I couldn’t help but think about the repercussions that it may have on the many sellers out there on the Bricklink platform. As a fan-based and fan-driven LEGO marketplace, it has always thrived because of its decentralized nature without any corporate influence. So we’ll just have to see how LEGO will live up to its word in creating a more positive experience and engagement to all buyers and sellers in the marketplace. Hopefully, all of the details will be ironed out by the end of this year.

Here’s the complete press release as announced by LEGO, and feel free to comment down below on what you think will happen to Bricklink with the LEGO Group taking over.

The LEGO Group acquires BrickLink, the world’s largest online LEGO® fan community and marketplace to strengthen ties with adult fans

BILLUND, Denmark, November 26, 2019: The LEGO Group today announced it has acquired BrickLink Ltd (www.bricklink.com), the world’s largest online community of adult LEGO fans from NXMH to strengthen its connection with its important adult fan base.

The BrickLink platform has more than one million members and comprises an online marketplace of more than 10,000 stores from 70 countries; a digital building software where builders can design and showcase their creations; and a vibrant online community where fans share ideas and builds.

The platform was founded in 2000 by Dan Jezek as a way to connect like-minded adult LEGO fans from around the world. It was acquired in 2013 by NXMH, which is owned by Korean entrepreneur Jung-Ju “Jay” Kim. BrickLink is headquartered in Irvine, California.

The LEGO Group CEO, Niels B Christiansen said: “Our adult fans are extremely important to us. They are passionate, committed and endlessly creative. We have worked closely with the community for many years and look forward to deepening our collaboration. We plan to continue to support BrickLink’s active marketplace and evolve BrickLink’s digital studio which allows our talented fans to take their creativity to the next level.”

Jung-Ju “Jay” Kim, owner of NXMH, said: “It has been a privilege to lead the transformation of BrickLink during the past six years. I am grateful to the community for being so welcoming, supportive and constructive. I am constantly amazed by everyone’s endless creativity and their love for building. I am confident the platform will be in good hands with the LEGO Group. As a fan myself, I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

The LEGO Group’s Chief Marketing Officer, Julia Goldin, said: “BrickLink provides the LEGO Group with a unique opportunity to connect with adult fans through new channels and exciting experiences. We’ve recently collaborated with BrickLink on a range of crowd-sourced sets to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the brick. We learned a lot and are keen to explore more ways of working together to create value. We look forward to collaborating further with our adult fans, while retaining and nurturing the independent spirit of the digital platform.”

The acquisition also includes Sohobricks which makes small batches of building elements. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Closing is expected to occur before the end of 2019.