Betonblock® VS. LEGO®: what exactly is going on?

More and more people have heard about it by now: in March 2025, the toy manufacturer initiated summary proceedings against us. The reason? The use of the term “lego blocks” on our website. According to the lawyer for the Danish toy manufacturer, the company believes this constitutes trademark infringement. On Friday, 28 March 2025, we therefore found ourselves in court opposite the party whose name we are no longer allowed to mention. The ruling is scheduled for 25 April 2025.

But what exactly is going on, and what are we going to do about it? We’re happy to share.

Other manufacturers of concrete moulds and concrete blocks have also heard from the toy manufacturer. Several producers of concrete blocks were likewise instructed to stop using the term on their websites. But as our marketing director aptly says: “No eight-year-old child has ever been spoiled by their parents with a 2,500-kilogram concrete block because they asked for toy bricks.” What we call our studded system, which resembles the well-known bricks, has absolutely no impact on the toy company.

Our steel moulds are used to produce concrete blocks that resemble toy bricks in shape. You stack them on top of each other in a similar way, but on a much larger scale. As a result, these concrete blocks became commonly known under this name. People also search online for these terms when they mean concrete blocks with studs. For that reason, Betonblock has also started using this wording in its descriptions.

Our aim is clarity and findability for our customers. It has never been our intention to exploit a brand name in any way whatsoever.

The word “aspirin” was originally a brand name. “Airfryer” as well. And “asphalt” and “jacuzzi.” When a name is recognisable enough, it is quickly used as a description for all similar products.

Within the construction sector, the term has by now become a common designation for this type of concrete block. The word has been used in all kinds of ways within the concrete industry for decades. That the toy manufacturer is now suddenly taking action is something we never expected.

The complainant speaks of trademark infringement and damage to their name. We see it differently. We use the term primarily in a descriptive sense and as an industry term. No child or parent would ever confuse a concrete block weighing hundreds of kilos with children’s toys. To us, the context is crystal clear: we are not misleading anyone and we are not commercially profiting from the brand.

We are disappointed that the toy manufacturer has chosen this approach, putting not only us but also our competitors in a difficult position. This step feels excessive and unnecessary. Precisely for that reason, we want to thank everyone who has supported us in recent weeks, whether through a message or a conversation at bauma. That support means a lot to us. Whatever the outcome of the legal case, we will continue to stand for open and honest communication. And, of course, for the production of the very best concrete block moulds with which you manufacture high-quality concrete blocks, stud blocks, megablocks.