Bricks & Minifigs Sues Over LEGO Franchise Dispute With $300K RICO Claim
Bricks & Minifigs filed a $300K RICO and defamation lawsuit against Mansell and Schneider in Utah.
Why it matters: Franchise disputes can escalate to complex federal claims like racketeering, affecting corporate reputation and legal risk. Legal professionals should note these evolving challenges in managing franchise operations and communications under RICO laws.
- Sept. 2023: Bryan Mansell consigns $95K-$100K LEGO Star Wars collection to Bricks & Minifigs Salem franchise.
- May 27, 2026: Bricks & Minifigs sues Mansell and YouTuber Benjamin Schneider in Utah for racketeering, defamation, and harassment claims totaling over $300,000.
- May 28, 2026: Court issues temporary restraining order barring Mansell and Schneider from posting specified content and restricts Schneider’s proximity to company employees.
- June 4, 2026: Salem franchise permanently closed by Bricks & Minifigs citing operational failures and gross negligence, with offer to return LEGO items.
In September 2023, Bryan Mansell consigned a family LEGO Star Wars collection valued between $95,000 and $100,000 to the Bricks & Minifigs franchise in Salem, Oregon. The situation deteriorated after the corporate entity repossessed the Salem franchise from its manager in November 2024.
On May 27, 2026, Bricks & Minifigs filed suit in a Utah federal court against Mansell and YouTuber Benjamin "Reckless Ben" Schneider. The complaint alleges violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which targets patterns of fraudulent activity, alongside defamation and harassment claims. The suit demands damages exceeding $300,000. The detailed complaint is available here.
The following day, a judge granted a temporary restraining order that prohibits Mansell and Schneider from posting certain content related to Bricks & Minifigs. Additionally, Schneider must maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 yards from several company employees’ residences. The court order can be reviewed here.
On June 4, 2026, Bricks & Minifigs closed its Salem franchise permanently, attributing the decision to "gross negligence" by the prior franchisee and operational difficulties during the transition period. The company offered to return any remaining LEGO pieces from Mansell’s collection and pledged compensation for any missing items, as stated in their public statement.
This case highlights how franchise disputes can trigger complex federal litigation involving racketeering statutes typically reserved for organized crime. It underscores the legal and operational risks companies face when franchise relationships sour, especially regarding public communications and reputational management.
By the numbers:
- $95,000-$100,000 — value of LEGO Star Wars collection consigned in 2023
- $300,000+ — damages sought in May 2026 lawsuit
- 1,000 yards — proximity restriction imposed on Schneider by court order
Yes, but: The lawsuit is ongoing, so claims have not been proven in court; temporary orders address immediate concerns but do not determine final outcomes.
What's next: Further court hearings on racketeering and defamation claims are expected in the coming months, with potential impact on franchise law precedents.