Greenpeace's viral video LEGO: everything is NOT awesome has been reinstated on YouTube following initial suspension over a copyright claim from Warner Brothers. The environmental organisation quickly transferred the film to Vimeo and strongly defended the work as a piece of satire that highlights a subject of significant public interest.

At the time of writing this move has been foiled as Vimeo has also removed the video, stating that "Vimeo has removed or disabled access to the following material as a result of a third-party notification by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. claiming that this material is infringing: LEGO: Everything is NOT awesome" (sic).

But (again, at the time of writing) the video can be viewed both on YouTube on the Greenpeace website here.

The film was released online on July 8th, aiming to highlight what Greenpeace described as "LEGO's collusion in the threat to the Arctic by promoting the controversial Shell brand on its toys. Shell is under pressure from regulators and NGOs over its plans to drill in the Arctic, which threatens the people and unique wildlife that live there".

In a statement, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp (left), CEO of the LEGO Group, said that the Group "operates in a responsible manner and continually strives to live up to the motto of the company since 1932: 'Only the best is good enough'".

The statement continues:

"We welcome and are inspired by all relevant input we receive from fans, children, parents, NGOs and other stakeholders. They have high expectations to the way we operate. So do we. "The Greenpeace campaign focuses on how Shell operates in a specific part of the world. We firmly believe that this matter must be handled between Shell and Greenpeace. We are saddened when the LEGO brand is used as a tool in any dispute between organisations".

Shell insists that it works "to prevent incidents that may result in spills of hazardous substances. This means making sure our facilities are well designed, safely operated, and properly inspected and maintained. It also involves an effective oil spill emergency response capability. We plan, prepare and practice our emergency response to incidents to mitigate the consequences to people and the environment".

The video was made by BAFTA-winning creative agency Don't Panic.

Mel Evans, Arctic Campaigner at Greenpeace, said: "Every company has a responsibility to choose its partners and suppliers ethically. LEGO says it wants to leave a better world for children, yet it's partnered with Shell, one of the biggest climate polluters on the planet, now threatening the pristine Arctic. That's a terrible decision and its bad news for kids. We're calling on LEGO to stand up for the Arctic, and for children, by ditching Shell for good".

Greenpeace has been subject to copyright claims in the past. A campaign video depicting Star Wars characters was pulled down but later reinstated after Greenpeace successfully challenged the claim.

Greenpeace has also uploaded the video to its Facebook pages and is encouraging members of the public to re-upload the video where ever they can. It will email its millions of supporters asking them to share the video.