Wow...

[Hodgo]

Warmoth manufactures under a license agreement with Fender, so they are okay in advance.

For the necks, yes. Bodies I do not believe are licensed

 

[stratamania]

Then: Why now? If it makes sense now, it must have made sense 30 years ago, doesn't it?

Possibly as the case was brought against a Chinese Manufacturer selling the items via Aliexpress I believe. 30 years ago selling cheap knock offs via the internet was not a thing. I would surmise Fender took the view that now enough is enough.