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V-CUBE was founded on a vision of reimagining twisty puzzles. Our founder, Panagiotis Verdes, patented a globally recognized system enabling the safe and smooth construction of rotational cubes with unlimited layers—of which the 3x3 flat version, popularly known as the Rubik’s Cube, is just one instance. The patent was granted in 2004 in Greece and in Europe in 2007.
It is not coincidental that the disputed 3D trademarks were registered shortly after.
Between 2008 and 2017, despite our numerous efforts to reach a non-judicial, amicable, and mutually beneficial solution, Rubik’s Brand Ltd and its associates engaged in a campaign of legal threats and prosecutions against us in several jurisdictions. Our partners and distributors, even retailers were intimidated and pressured not to carry and promote our legally patented and branded products effectively preventing their penetration to the various markets.
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In 2013, we made the difficult but necessary decision to challenge the legality of these 3D trademark registrations before the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). As a small family business based in Greece, this was a major undertaking, both financially and emotionally.
We have since spent almost half a million on legal proceedings—funds that could have otherwise supported marketing, R&D, and product development.
During the same period, we also had to combat intellectual property theft by more than 10 Chinese factories replicating our patented mechanism, further compounding our losses.
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Verdes Innovations was represented throughout the proceedings by Mr. Roland Kunze of Kunze Rechtsanwälte – Solicitor (England & Wales), based in Munich and London.
“His deep commitment and strategic leadership were instrumental throughout this long legal battle,” said Mr. Verdes. “From the very beginning, Mr. Kunze’s clarity of vision and tireless effort helped us uphold our principles and see this through all levels of the EU judicial process.”
This judgment reaffirms the foundational EU legal principle that trademarks may not be used to obtain indefinite rights over functional product features. It also marks a significant setback for Rubik’s and its successors, who have initiated multiple legal actions against Verdes Innovations and its partners—none of which has succeeded to date.
It is important to highlight that our patented technology not only enhances all existing sizes of rotational cubes but also enables the extension of cube design to an infinite number of layers. Beyond our own product line, this innovation has been embraced by puzzle designers worldwide, leading to the creation of hundreds of new twisty puzzles that demonstrate its technical superiority and unmatched usability. Today, there is hardly a cube or even a similar twisty puzzle on the global market that does not rely—directly or indirectly—on the core technology developed by Panagiotis Verdes. Whether it’s speed cubes, flat cubes, rounded or pillow cubes, magnetic cubes, large cubes, mini cubes, sticker less designs, UV-painted models, or promotional editions—the vast majority are built upon the foundational V-CUBE mechanism.
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Looking Ahead
With this legal chapter concluded, Verdes Innovations reaffirms its mission to promote open, creative, and educational puzzle design. We hope this decision will inspire more innovation in the field—free from unjustified legal barriers.
Even as a small company, we stand firmly in protecting our vision and values. While others spend millions on branding and PR to claim they champion innovation, our real-world experience shows the opposite. We believe innovation deserves protection—but not through legal intimidation or monopolistic misuse of IP law.
We invite puzzle designers, educational institutions, and global retailers to collaborate with us as we are the ones that shaped the next generation of twisty puzzles. Together, we can ensure that creativity, ethics, and engineering excellence continue to drive the evolution of our industry.
We are currently working on another revolutionary cubical patented puzzle that will astonish the puzzle and gift market with its innovation and clever function.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal partners, distributors, and consumers who continue to support true innovation with integrity.
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