EU court rules against Lego over brick trademark

The European Union’s highest court today said toymaker Lego cannot claim exclusive right to the use of its iconic brick as a trademark.

The European Court of Justice ruling allows competitors to continue selling plastic building blocks similar to Lego’s in the EU’s 27 nations.

The court rejected an appeal by the Denmark-based toy manufacturer.

Lego secured a trademark for the brick in 1999 but the EU trademarks office cancelled it in 2004 after an appeal by a rival toymaker, Canada’s Mega Brands, which makes similar blocks.

Lego spokesman Peter Kjaer said the toymaker has “no option but to note the court’s ruling”.