if the sanrio villagers was a patent thing, then why could we have their posters?

[Underneath The Stars]

not really sure if it was a permit thing anyway, but some people here has said that. but if so well how could we get their posters then? they're clearly sanrio related and registered.

some also are speculating they could return in the future, while some are saying they won't (their reasoning is that when we scan they become posters, but i feel like they can easily change that, and when they do visit photopia we could get their personal poster)

tbh, the collaboration villagers were so cool. including zelda's. wish they'd return some time in the future!
like...let's just admit that etoile is tier 1 potential even though she isn't adoptable.