The LEGO SpongeBob SquarePants theme was based on the Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants television series and licensed by the LEGO Group in 2006. A number of sets were released over the five-year period ending in 2011. The sets werer based upon the adventures and life of SpongeBob SquarePants. The theme was discontinued when LEGO's rival, MEGA Brands, acquired the license for SpongeBob SquarePants.
2009 LEGO Sets
In 2009, LEGO Star Wars celebrated its 10th Anniversary with the release of its 10th Anniversary sets. But even more important, LEGO celebrated its 50th anniversary of the LEGO Brick. A number of new themes were first introduced including BIONICLE Glatorian, Space Police III, Power Miners, Agents 2.0 and LEGO Pirates was re-introduced. Some themes that were retired in 2009 by LEGO included Mars Mission, the original and highly collectable Batman sets. Exo-Force and Belville where also discontinued in 2009.