I don’t know what LEPIN is.
Knockoff brick brand, blatantly stealing both TLG and AFOLs’ ideas. It was mentioned quite a lot at the fan weekend. People in the community hate them. Because they’re evil.
Here’s a letter from someone whose work was stolen: http://www.brickfanatics.co.uk/an-open-letter-to-lepin-from-a-frustrated-lego-builder/ (This actually includes a few comments about the resale market, too, which are worth noting…)
All that said, and LMGTFY joke aside, I fully agree with the “starting with forgiveness” and with “This is not conduct Steel City LUG condones, and I expect the same ethical and moral standard to be upheld by Steel City LUG members” as our policy moving forward.
Great letter and well said! There have been a few sets I have bought through eBay or even Bricklink with rogue, non-Lego elements in them. It is a shame. Those go in the recycling bin and I call Lego for the appropriate parts.
The Lepin site is rediculous! The fact that they can get away with such blatant disregard for intellectual property is shameful, but, unfortunately, prevalent throughout many industries in their home country. There are no strict patent laws there. Companies are facing huge uphill battles when disputing patent infringement. And a worse problem is the fact that the Lego creators usually can’t even afford to copyright or patent their ideas.
I am not sure what Lego’s “official” position is here, but they may want to consider an embargo on the country and not allow Lego bricks and sets to be directly sold there. Perhaps the voice of the people who are true Lego fans within the country will then be heard and Lepin will be shut down. The reality is probably not, but you never know.
I for one will keep promoting the Lego brand. It brings me much enjoyment and I truly believe in the community we have. I am brand loyal and Lego loyal for sure! I will just wait for the 40% off sales on Amazon to be able to afford the sets I want! 🙂