i think out of all the small companies how2works is probably the biggest fish. they've worked with hot toys plenty of times before and have a huge base of urban vinyls. also i dont think they've ever done any unlicensed product.
Hot Toys has revealed an interesting new addition to their 12-inch figure line. In association with How2Work, Hot Toys is set to release Albert Einstein. The fully poseable figure is coming March 5, 2010 at a price of 14,700 Yen (about $154 USD).