What is a leak?
We understand the confusion on what is considered leaks and what is considered fair play to share in the community.
The Novelty Policy which we introduced in 2016 states that:
The LEGO Group is asking fans not to share or publish LEGO® owned confidential information, for instance any information about new, unreleased LEGO® products. Some material carries a specific watermark saying that the image is not to be disclosed or published. Other leaks consists of copied or photographed material, which is obviously confidential information, which has come to the public without authorization by the LEGO Group.
To all our fans: Please do not share obviously confidential information, which has not been released by the LEGO Group.
While it is clear that confidential watermarked images are not to be shared, it can be somewhat unclear when it comes to other things – we hope that by giving examples below we can clarify this and reduce confusion and frustration.
The Shelfed Product:
If a product is put on shelf and is being sold, then it is completely fair to purchase and share pictures of the purchased product.
This of course requires a valid source for the purchase – i.e. making the purchase through a random eBay account with no other LEGO products but this single exclusive not even announced yet, does NOT fulfill the requirements of being valid. Having the opportunity to make a “backdoor purchase” ahead of the product going on shelves does not apply as a valid retailer source either.
But, should the product be available through a valid retailer such as Target, your local toy store, an online retailer or similar, then you can make a purchase and share it with the world. Just make sure you keep proof of purchase should someone challenge the legitimacy of your purchase and actions.
Rumors
We consider a rumor to be text information coming from an unknown source or anonymous internet source (i.e. posted on a social channel from a source you do not know). In general we ask you to always name your sources and never link to rumor posts. If you’re reading about a rumor on an unrecognized site and they list a valid source who published information, reference or link to that source only. Again if it comes from a a valid source, it is not a leak or rumor. Do not link to unrecognized sites that publish rumors.
Taking information from confidential sources, for example a retailer magazine or friend within the LEGO Group and then sharing it, even if it does not contain pictures, should not be on your channel. Please do not describe images which do not come from a valid source on your channel.
