Lego has a design patent for minifigures and has successfully defended against COBI. Details http://www.internationallawoffice.com/news...a6-881ab362f909

These manufacturers make slight modifications to the design (to skirt around the design patent) but stay compatible with the LEGO system.

Also, there is a need for a license in using characters from other intellectual property and I doubt that these toy manufacturers have that license. But I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt here.

I have nothing against people producing and buying these sets, it is now up to LYN and consumers themselves to make their own choice.