This sounds like, what is Is known in the world of LEGO as a My Own Creation (MOC). Tons is sites sell plans and brick kits to build all manner of sculptures and dioramas. Maybe this will give you a research avenue to answer your question.
Right, but do the creators of MOCs have rights to the layout of the Lego, or just the instructions and images they use to present that work? (It's unclear hence me hoping a lawyer in the HN community takes a look. :)
