Page 1 of 1

Using Lego to illustrate a printed book...?

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 3:35 pm
by ottoatm
I've written a few books in my day, but never a book using Lego pictures as the illustrations... do you think there would be any legal mumbo-jumbo to face if I did that?

I know the "Brick Bible" (https://squareup.com/market/thebrickbible/th ... aphed-copy) uses Lego for illustrations, so it would seem it IS possible... I just wonder if anyone has any experience/expertise in this area?

Re: Using Lego to illustrate a printed book...?

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:12 pm
by Bruce N H
Hey,

I actually was recently sent a link to [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CQZRtTtUSA&feature=youtu.be]this video by Martin Hüdepohl[/url] on the guidelines for the fair use of LEGO in publishing. He's not from LEGO legal, but he is the author of some AFOL-driven books. Watch the video, and access the documents form TLG that he mentions, but it essentially comes down to these main points:

-You can't use the LEGO logo and some other images unless you are licensed by TLG (e.g. DK has a business relationship with TLG).
-There are restrictions on the proper way to use the word LEGO or other trademarked terms (e.g. Duplo, Ninjago, etc). Things like all-caps, never say "Legos" etc. Sometimes (but not all?) you're supposed to use the little registered trademark symbol.
-There is some restriction on how the word LEGO is used in the title.
-There is a specified disclaimer saying that this work is not supported or endorsed by TLG.

Aside from those things, it seems that you are free to have a book with LEGO illustrations, write a book with instructions to build your own custom models, write a reference book about LEGO, etc.

BTW, if you are going to publish such a book, I would try to do it through a publisher that has a proven AFOL track record - i.e. NoStarch or Skyhorse (there are some others based in Europe as well). They would both already know and be able to advise you on legal mumbo-jumbo, and also they have a record of marketing to the LEGO market.

Re: Using Lego to illustrate a printed book...?

Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 6:13 am
by ottoatm
Many thanks Bruce! I'm sorry I didn't see your reply sooner, but the information you gave is perfect and hits the spot.
BTW, if you are going to publish such a book, I would try to do it through a publisher that has a proven AFOL track record - i.e. NoStarch or Skyhorse (there are some others based in Europe as well). They would both already know and be able to advise you on legal mumbo-jumbo, and also they have a record of marketing to the LEGO market.
I hadn't heard of these folks before - I'll check them out!