LEGO CUUSOO and old themes

[ChromeFlash]

Why doesn't LEGO CUUSOO allow projects that use a LEGO IP (Like Classic space for example) in projects that present a new idea or set?

It really doesn't make much sense. Probably one of the reasons original product (for this topic original refers to yellow minifig themes) ideas are usually below licensed ones on CUUSOO. A lot of fan favorites are these exact themes. I understand rejecting a project for say a exact remake of the Yellow Castle using the stock TLG images, but to completely not allow a project using a LEGO IP is unreasonable I believe.

Why can't a Classic Space 2 project be approved? It is a new idea in the sense it is a new design/set, just that it is using a beloved LEGO IP as the theme. The same goes for projects that would make use of themes like the Adventurers, Black Falcons, Forestmen, Blacktron, and so on.

They allow Star Wars projects and those are based on an IP LEGO has a license for already. Technically they should not allow any IP they own a license for then.

Also their policy is somewhat vague in the sense it doesn't clarify what if the project is based on a LEGO product that never had a physical product? There is a lot of digital media covered under that, that has potential on CUUSOO.

Basically I am proposing for LEGO CUUSSO to allow projects that utilize a LEGO IP as long as it is a new product idea/set. I see no problems with this. Maybe they are afraid of the success such a project might possibly have?

[Bluesecrets]

I am not sure anyone here will be able to answer your questions.

But as far as LEGO not making new sets of old license, I maybe can give you some idea as to why this won't be happening. First, we as AFOL's, we aren't the primary market. We account for something less than 10% of their total sales. When you are talking hundreds of millions of dollars in sales, that is actually a very tiny amount. They do make nice sets for us, but they cost a lot more...see MMV and other direct from LEGO big sets. But when it comes to what we want, they just can't make a whole line to please us. It isn't fiscally a good decision.

Second, the copyright/trademark on older things have expired. This is one of the reasons we see new horses, etc. To produce an old line, opens them up to direct copy by other companies. It isn't the best business practice.

Thirdly, and this isn't a LEGO decision, but the old figures actually don't compare well with the current figures of today. Just like the sets don't. Kids now have all kinds of electronics to play with. Getting them to play with a physical toy is sometimes difficult. LEGO tests with children before their sets make it into production. That is just good business practice.

Now in terms of CUUSOO, I would have to research some, and I am sure there is contact information on the CUUSOO site that you could actually ask them your questions. They of course are the best people to ask.

[ChromeFlash]

I asked CUUSOO, they haven't responded and it has been a few weeks.

My question is not so much about direct remakes of old themes, but why can't the IP they used be used in new CUUSOO submissions.

I hope CUUSOO responds from the looks, it seems no one reads that email.

[plums_deify]

CUUSOO is, in fact, a separate company which may have something to do with it. But also consider the intent of it, which is to allow fans a chance to see their creation as a set. While the sets that have come from it (#003, #004) are certainly license-based, the previous two were science-based as is the new Mars Rover--and that's more what it was intended for.

Also, LEGO reserves the right to re-introduce any of its older lines at any time it sees fit. Except monorail.

[Bruce N H]

Or cypress trees. Or pitchforks ... oh, wait.

I've never seen any indication that you can't base Cuusoo projects on old themes, and a two-second search turns up evidence that there are such submissions. I'd love to see, for instance, one of Pete Reid's reworking of Classic Space designs as a set. I think, as Blue implied in her first answer above, it's just that the only ones voting for such designs are AFOLs with a real memory of those lines, and we just aren't a big enough voting bloc.

BTW, Blue, I disagree with your assessment on the new horses. The old horse was introduced in ~86 I think from a quick perusal of Bricklink. The basic minifig body was introduced in ~77 or ~78. So if the horse is aged out due to IP rules and therefor needs to be replaced, the fig is much more so. I think the introduction of the new horse is simply because they thought it added value to the sets to have a less static horse, and also a less blocky shape to the head. This is totally based on my own speculation, so I would be happy to admit if there is any evidence to the contrary.

Bruce