Toys-Games · Iconic Everyday Products
Is the Rubik's Cube Patented?
Ernő Rubik filed for U.S. patent protection in the late 1970s (US 4,378,116, granted 1983). The patent expired in 2000. The Rubik's Cube® name is still trademark-protected; the 3D shape trademark was invalidated in the EU in 2016.
Quick answer
Originally yes — patent now expired
Ernő Rubik filed for U.S. patent protection in the late 1970s (US 4,378,116, granted 1983). The patent expired in 2000. The Rubik's Cube® name is still trademark-protected; the 3D shape trademark was invalidated in the EU in 2016.
Key patents on the Rubik's Cube
Every patent number below is a live USPTO record — click through to read the original claims on Google Patents.
- US 4,378,116 (1983) — Spatial logical toy (the 3x3 cube mechanism). Status: expired / public domain.
What to know
- EU Court of Justice invalidated the 3D-shape trademark in 2016, ruling that the shape is functional and therefore not trademarkable.
- The Rubik's® word mark remains valid globally.
Have your own invention idea?
If a product like Rubik's Cubecan get patent protection, your idea probably can too — assuming it’s novel. The cheapest first step is a provisional patent application, which locks in your priority date for 12 months while you validate the market. LegalZoom files provisionals from $199 + USPTO fees; you can also read the official USPTO patent basics first if you prefer.
Read next
Famous Patented Products — Velcro US 2,717,437. Post-it US 5,194,299. Spanx US D429,386. Each entry shows the patent number, filing date, and the commercial story that…