“They stated that the Companion Cube is Valve intellectual property, for which Dbrand does not have a license,” the post continues. "They requested we take down the product and launch film immediately. This was entirely within their rights, and they were direct, fair, and respectful throughout.

"We took everything down and made an appeal. We asked Valve whether there was any way to keep the project alive: properly licensed, with their blessing, on their terms. They said no. Given our backwards approach of building first and asking permission later, it was a fair answer.