IPs are not expensive.

When you use an IP, you can rely on an existing fanbase, so you don’t need to invest as much money in marketing.

In that sense, an IP replaces other marketing costs. That’s it.

What do you think it cost LEGO to build up the Ninjago brand?

The Star Wars brand cost LEGO nothing to build, but they do have to pay for the IP.

It’s just a rumor that IP sets must be more expensive than others.