Hasbro Kre-O

[Frank_Lloyd_Knight]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41561886/ns ... umer_news/

Apparently Hasbro is introducing a new line of Lego-compatible (knock-off) toys called Kre-O. The first sets will be a licensed Transformers theme. I'd be interested in hearing others' opinions as to how this might impact Lego. I've always wondered how all these knock-off brands have managed to avoid patent lawsuits from TLG. Until now I've just always attributed it to most of these companies being in countries where Lego would be unable to pursue legal recourse. Only after reading this article did I discover a wikipedia article explaining that many of TLG's patents had expired around 1988. But still, I have to wonder if any unexpected ramifications might face Hasbro. I mean, sure, maybe patents have expired, but the pieces are still clearly Lego's bricks, now being produced by a different company. My concern is that TLG might respond to such developments by pursuing licensing from popular themes more aggressively to the detriment of their own classical themes.

[Hoboman]

This is going to be interesting to watch play out. Lego has been fighting a tide of knock off brands for a while, but Hasbro? I am sure this is a topic of major interest to Lego.

[Elephant Knight]

Now this is interesting. I wonder how well it will do. Transformers is something new for Lego (and it's cheap knock offs), so who knows?

EKnight

[Ye Olde Republic]

Sorry fellers, discussion of clone brands is a no-no.