Take one set of Nervex lugs

I was sure hirth linkages on bicycles were licensed by lightening

I'm not aware of any defensible patent on the basic Hirth coupling as it applies to shafts, although there might be some refinements of the surrounding assembly still under protection. AFAIK, the coupling was invented by Albert Hirth, who died in 1935, so the core patent has long since expired. Lightning's patent relates to the integration of the half-axle with the crank arm and in their design the radial alignment and drive torque are handled by dowel pins, not a Hirth coupling. It expired two months ago.
Steve Smilanick had a 1993 patent for using something like a Hirth coupling to join frame tubes for a demountable bicycle, but that too will have expired.