Lego faces trial over designer's copyright claim for "Queer Eye" set

Toy manufacturer Lego is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit from fashion designer James Concannon, who alleges the company copied elements of his jacket design for a "Queer Eye"-themed Lego set.

A federal judge recently denied Lego's motions for summary judgment, rejecting defenses based on "fair use" and an implied license. This ruling allows Concannon's copyright infringement claims to proceed toward a trial.

Concannon designed the leather jacket for Antoni Porowski, a host on the reality TV show "Queer Eye." Porowski wore the jacket, featuring his "signature propaganda-infused aesthetic," on the show in 2019. The Lego set, released in 2021, includes a miniature replica of the jacket.

The designer publicly noted the similarities on social media in 2021, stating that Lego had "recreated" his artwork. While Lego altered the text on the jacket from "THYME IS ON MY SIDE" to "REBUILD THE WORLD," Concannon's lawsuit claims the font and paint drip details are substantially similar. The suit asserts that Lego did not obtain authorization to reproduce the specific placement, coordination, and arrangement of the artistic elements.