I just received an auction catalog that has "bootleg" Lassie items. What does that mean?

"Bootleg" is a term that is used to describe a product that is illegal in some way. During the Wrather years when thousands of licensed Lassie products were produced, many products were made by companies and individuals that did not secure licensing, and offered for sale without permission. Those items were considered "bootleg" and although illegal, gained a certain popularity among collectors. Because they were not licensed, they had limited distribution.