Spin Master Loses Rubik's Cube Trademark Battle in EU Court

Spin Master Loses Rubik's Cube Trademark Battle in EU Court

July 9, 2025 – In a significant legal development, Spin Master Toys UK, the owner of the iconic Rubik's Cube, has lost a trademark dispute against Greek company Verdes Innovations SA. The General Court of the European Union annulled Spin Master's trademarks related to the cube's shape, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over intellectual property rights concerning functional designs.

Background of the Case

The Rubik's Cube, invented in 1974 by Hungarian professor Ernő Rubik, has become a global symbol of puzzle-solving and creativity. Spin Master acquired the brand in 2021, inheriting trademarks registered between 2008 and 2012 by its predecessor. These trademarks covered the cube's distinctive shape, aiming to protect its unique design from imitation.

However, in 2013, Verdes Innovations SA, known for producing similar puzzles under the V-CUBE brand, challenged these trademarks. The Greek company argued that the cube's essential design features serve a technical function, making them ineligible for trademark protection under EU law.

Court's Decision

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) initially sided with Verdes, leading Spin Master to appeal the decision. On July 9, 2025, the General Court upheld the EUIPO's ruling, stating:

"As the essential characteristics of that shape are necessary to obtain a technical result, it should not have been registered as an EU trademark."

This judgment emphasizes that functional aspects of a product's design cannot be monopolized through trademark law, as they are essential for achieving a technical outcome.

Implications for the Puzzle Industry

This ruling has far-reaching implications for the puzzle and toy industry. By invalidating the shape-based trademarks, the court has opened the door for other manufacturers to produce and sell puzzles resembling the Rubik's Cube without infringing on Spin Master's intellectual property rights. This decision could lead to increased competition and innovation within the market, offering consumers a broader range of options.

Spin Master's Response and Next Steps

Spin Master has the option to appeal this decision to the Court of Justice of the European Union, the highest court in the EU. As of now, the company has not publicly announced its intentions regarding an appeal. The outcome of any further legal actions will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and intellectual property experts.

Conclusion

The annulment of Spin Master's Rubik's Cube shape trademarks by the EU's General Court underscores the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring fair competition. As the puzzle industry continues to evolve, this case serves as a landmark in defining the boundaries of trademark law concerning functional designs.

For more details on the court's decision, refer to the original report by Reuters.