The Length of the License

Popularly cited when discussing Samsonite's history with LEGO, you'll find citations that Samsonite had a license for LEGO lasting 99 years (the earliest dateable mention seems to be on brickfetish, though that is likely not the origin of the claim). Brickpedia claims a nine year license.

None of these sources, however, cite where the length of the license comes from.

No known contemporary source even mentions a length for the license. An August 1961 newspaper from Canada mentions the license but makes no mention of any duration. A 1963 court case between LEGO and ELGO states: "Under an agreement, dated April 21,1961, plaintiff gave to Shwayder Bros., Inc., Denver, Colorado, a license to manufacture and sell toy building bricks in the United States."

As of now, unless something is found that speaks otherwise, it should only be claimed that a license was obtained, not that it had any set duration.

Litigation

It is also popularly cited that around 1970 or 1971, depending on the internet source, LEGO had to resort to litigation to cancel the above license.

No case file can be referenced, as one cannot be found.

Do note that some sites like miniland share the exact same phrasing with other sites: "...Lego started the process to revoke the license; one that apparently involved litigation." This sentence is verbatim what is on brickfetish: "...Lego started the process to revoke the license; one that apparently involved litigation." Which one came first, I have no idea, but at least there is due diligence in that they do not claim that it in fact did require litigation. It's likely an example of information being recycled and perpetuated despite a lack of sourcing.

It's important to clarify it is possible litigation was threatened, and maybe some filings were in fact made, but these are currently not available and there is no evidence supporting such a claim.

Continuation

There are several other claims and oversimplifications to cover, and they will be covered in due time.