Dbrand Cancels Unlicensed Steam Machine Companion Cube Wrap

Dbrand has canceled its $100 Companion Cube-style wrap for the Steam Machine after failing to secure a license from Valve.

Dbrand, a Canadian electronics accessories company, recently announced the cancellation of its Companion Cube-style wrap for the Steam Machine. The company admitted to not obtaining permission from Valve before creating the product, leading to its discontinuation. Despite investing over 1,000 hours in engineering and design, Dbrand did not seek the necessary licensing rights from Valve, resulting in the project's termination.

The Companion Cube, inspired by Valve's intellectual property, became a hit among consumers. However, Valve's legal team intervened, requesting Dbrand to cease all production and promotion of the product. Dbrand attempted to negotiate a licensing agreement with Valve but was unsuccessful. The company acknowledged its mistake and emphasized Valve's rights over their intellectual property.

Although Dbrand distributed some units to influencers, the remaining stock is expected to become sought-after collector's items. The incident highlights the demand for Companion Cube-themed products, raising questions about potential future collaborations between Valve and other companies. Meanwhile, Steam Machine preorders are currently available, with the system starting at $1,050.