
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.
2011 LEGO Sets
In 2011, LEGO collectors saw major milestones, particularly with the release of the first-ever internal LEGO sets, Moulding Machines (4000001) and LOM 2011 Moulding (4000002). These exclusive sets, produced in limited quantities, set the foundation for highly valuable future collector items, making them some of the most sought-after LEGO releases among hardcore collectors.