Dbrand Cancels Portal-Themed Steam Machine Case After Valve Legal Request
Dbrand has announced it is canceling and refunding all preorders for its Steam Machine Companion Cube enclosure after receiving a request from Valve Corporation, the owner of the intellectual property.
The accessory manufacturer had begun accepting preorders for the Portal-themed product on June 22nd but has since removed the item from its website and made related promotional materials private.
Product and Cancellation
- Dbrand confirmed that all preorders for the Companion Cube enclosure—designed to fit Valve's newly announced Steam Machine hybrid console—are being refunded.
- The company stated the product was the second-fastest-selling item in its 15-year history, following only its Switch 2 Killswitch case.
- Links to the product page now redirect to Dbrand's announcement on its subreddit.
- Customers who have not received a refund by the end of the week are advised to contact Dbrand.
The Companion Cube enclosure was the second-fastest-selling product in Dbrand's 15-year history.
Timeline of Events
November 12, 2025: Valve announced its Steam Machine hybrid console.
Following the announcement: Dbrand released a concept render and sign-up page for the Companion Cube enclosure, which the company described as going "moderately viral."
June 22nd: Dbrand began accepting preorders for the enclosure, planning a retail price of $99—a price the company stated would be sold at a loss.
Valve's legal team contacted Dbrand, stating that the Companion Cube is Valve's intellectual property and that Dbrand lacked a license. Valve requested the removal of the product and promotional materials.
Dbrand complied with the request and appealed to Valve to produce an officially licensed version. Valve declined.
Dbrand removed all mentions of the product from its website and social media.
Statements from Dbrand
Dbrand stated that it "built the idea into something real without ever asking Valve if we could."
The company characterized Valve's communication as direct, fair, and respectful, and publicly acknowledged that its approach of developing the product before seeking permission was flawed.
In its statement, Dbrand said:
"Valve didn't do anything wrong here… They alone get to decide how it's used."
Dbrand thanked Valve for the Portal game series and apologized for the incident.