In 2015, Best-Lock attempted to undermine Lego’s rights by arguing that the dolls’ design was purely functional, intended solely for construction purposes. However, the European Court swiftly dismissed this notion, emphasizing that the dolls’ design also incorporated distinct human features, enhancing their playability and appeal beyond mere construction.
Fast forward to 2020, and BB Services made a similar attempt to contest Lego’s trademark. BB Services asserted that the shape of the dolls was dictated solely by their functional necessity for construction purposes.
Yet again, the European General Court ruled decisively in Lego’s favour. They emphasized that the dolls served not only as construction tools but also as playthings, with their design deliberately incorporating human-like attributes. As such, the dolls’ distinctive design fulfilled both functional and aesthetic purposes, safeguarding the integrity of Lego’s trademarked shape for generations of toy enthusiasts to come.
