15 July 2025FeaturesTrademarksSean Ibbetson

Why Rubik’s Cube was denied TM protection (again)

The latest EU ruling rejecting trademark protection for the iconic toy reflects the courts’ efforts to prevent monopolies over shapes with a technical function, says Sean Ibbetson of Bristows.

Already registered?

For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk

More on this story

Trademarks

Rubik's Cube loses pivotal EU 'shape' case

9 July 2025 Iconic puzzle’s shape deemed ‘purely functional’ by European court | EU court rules against Spin Master Toys in long-running legal battle.

‘We were on tenterhooks’: Winning counsel dives into WaterRower

18 November 2024 Following the High Court’s long-awaited WaterRower decision, WIPR met with Rachel Pearse of Gunnercooke, part of the winning team, to explore what the “fascinating” case means for designers.

Future of IP

Rowing machine ruling sends ripples across UK design sector

11 November 2024 Key test case examined the copyright protection of 3D-functional designs | Designers left with “unsatisfactory decision” and “uncertain state”, say watchers | English law at odds with EU case law on “artistic works”.

China’s Labubu toys: ‘Count the teeth’ to find fakes

Microsoft wins at UPC in tech patent feud after NPE failed to pay €300K

King & Spalding hires Silicon Valley tech litigator

EU takes fight to genAI in tough week for Big Tech

Chicago firm Much Shelist adds partner with ‘entrepreneurial mindset’

Kilpatrick adds ‘seasoned, versatile litigator’ as trademark partner

Rubik's Cube loses pivotal EU 'shape' case

Surge in TM applications sounds warning for UK brand owners

Why Rubik’s Cube was denied TM protection (again)

More on this story

Editor's picks

Editor's picks

More articles