Licensed is where LEGO Ideas sets based on films, TV series, games, music and brands are filed. Each began as a fan design that reached 10,000 supporters on the Ideas website before LEGO reviewed it, and the fan whose design is made gets a share of the sales. Licensed ideas are harder to get made, because LEGO also needs an agreement with the owner, and many popular projects have stopped at that step.
2012 LEGO Sets
2012 was a landmark year highlighted by LEGO’s 80th anniversary and major licensed expansions. LEGO The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit joined the lineup alongside Marvel and DC Super Heroes, establishing enduring partnerships with both comic universes. LEGO Friends debuted, introducing mini-doll figures and Heartlake City, becoming one of LEGO’s most successful modern themes. Other launches included Monster Fighters, Disney Princess, and Dino. Alien Conquest, Atlantis, Pharaoh’s Quest, Kingdoms, and Harry Potter retired, though Harry Potter would later return in 2018.