Counterfeit, in plain terms: if a reasonable fan could believe they’re buying the real thing, or something approved by the brand or character owner, and they aren’t, it’s counterfeit. Calling it “compatible,” “custom,” “inspired by,” or “fan-made” doesn’t change that. The only exception is artist-made custom figures allowed under Rule 5.1.

5.1 Knockoff LEGO®-style minifigures and building sets: Mass-produced knockoff or clone minifigures and building sets that show licensed characters count as counterfeit—no matter how they are labeled (“LEGO compatible,” “custom,” “MOC,” or similar).

• Mass-produced knockoff or clone minifigures and building sets that show licensed characters count as counterfeit. This means factory-made figures and sets bought in bulk and resold, not figures the vendor designed and produced. This covers characters from Marvel, Star Wars, DC, Disney, Harry Potter, anime, video games, and any other licensed property, when the product is not officially licensed. It doesn’t matter how the product is labeled: “LEGO compatible,” “compatible with major brick brands,” “custom,” “MOC,” “fan-made,” “unofficial,” or anything similar. Buying them in bulk from wholesale lots or online marketplaces does not make them legitimate.
• The LEGO name, logo, and packaging may not be used on non-LEGO goods. This includes product labels, price tags, booth signage, and packaging made to look like LEGO packaging. Phrases such as “LEGO compatible” or “works with LEGO” are not allowed on non-LEGO products.
• Artist-made custom minifigures are allowed when the vendor designed and produced the figures themselves (for example, printing them on their own plastic). They are not knockoffs. They must not use the LEGO name, logo, or packaging, and they must be clearly labeled as the artist’s own custom product (for example, “Custom figure by [artist/brand] – not a LEGO product”). Custom figures that depict licensed characters are fan art. Under Rule 7 they may be sold only in Artist Alley, by the artist who made them. Staff may ask for proof of process (design files, sketches, or production photos).
• Inspection and proof of sourcing: staff may inspect any minifigures or brick products at any time. They may require proof of sourcing, such as receipts or invoices from LEGO, authorized retailers, or authorized distributors, or the third-party brand’s own packaging and invoices. Items that can’t be verified are treated as counterfeit and must be removed immediately.

Rule 8 – 3D-Printed Goods: 3D-printed goods are allowed only if all of the following are true:

1. The design is your own, or you hold a commercial license for it. Files downloaded from free or “personal use” sources (for example Thingiverse, Printables, or free MakerWorld files) are not allowed unless the designer has granted a commercial license that you can show. Licensed character or brand likenesses also require a license from the rights holder (Rule 5).
2. You disclosed 3D goods on your application, including an estimate of what percentage of your booth they take up, and you submitted photos of them.
3. You can prove originality or licensing on request. This means design files or CAD/sculpt screenshots for your own designs, or a license/receipt from the designer (for example Patreon or Cults3D commercial tiers). Items you can’t verify must be removed.
4. No 3D printing on site. Printers may not run during the event, and that includes “demo” printing.
5. 3D goods must also follow the AI rule (Rule 6), the counterfeit rule (Rule 5), and the category caps (Rule 9).

Rule 9 – Capped categories for 2027: (a) 3D-printed goods, and (b) tumblers, mugs, and drinkware (including sublimated drinkware). (c) Funko Pop! and similar mass-produced vinyl figures, for vendors whose inventory is 75% or more of these products. For this category, the 75% threshold replaces the 25% “substantial” test below.

“Substantial” inventory: if a category makes up about 25% or more of the items displayed in your booth, or of your table/display space, you count as a vendor in that category for cap purposes. Images and Events staff make this call using your application photos and how your booth looks on site.

Rule 10 – Drinkware, Tumblers & Sublimation Products:

• All artwork on drinkware must be your own original art or properly licensed. Rule 5 and Rule 6 apply in full. AI-generated wraps or designs from “commercial use” AI bundles, and unlicensed character or brand designs, are prohibited.
• On the application you must say where your artwork comes from (made by you, licensed from a named human artist, or officially licensed product), and you must provide process photos when asked.
• Food-contact disclaimer: Images and Events does not test or certify drinkware. You are solely responsible for making sure your products are safe for food and drink contact as labeled and comply with applicable laws. If your products are decorative only or not dishwasher/food safe, you must label them that way.
• Drinkware vendors are subject to the category cap (Rule 9).

Rule 9 – Capped categories for 2027: (a) 3D-printed goods, and (b) tumblers, mugs, and drinkware (including sublimated drinkware). (c) Funko Pop! and similar mass-produced vinyl figures, for vendors whose inventory is 75% or more of these products.

“Substantial” inventory: if a category makes up about 25% or more of the items displayed in your booth, or of your table/display space, you count as a vendor in that category for cap purposes.

Rule 6 – AI-generated and AI-assisted artwork: AI-generated and AI-assisted imagery is banned at every Images and Events show—including on tumblers, bags, apparel, stickers, and any printed blank. The ban applies to AI imagery on any product or surface, including: tumblers, mugs, cups, bottles, and all drinkware, and any sublimated, printed, engraved, heat-pressed, or decorated blank.