The ToyAward presented in the Startup category on 28th January 2020 will be stripped from the winner with immediate effect.

For the first time in the history of the ToyAwards, the Spielwarenmesse is retrospectively retracting the accolade from the winner of one of its categories. The Calculix number bricks counting system had won the ToyAward in the Startup category at the 71st Spielwarenmesse. During the event, Sumblox, whose products were distributed by Calculix until recently, accused the company of plagiarism. The management of Spielwarenmesse eG has since investigated the claims. Further research and a legal review of the situation have led to the conclusion that Sumblox has been distributed on the US market since 3rd October 2014. It has also been established that the Calculix building blocks are almost identical in appearance to the Sumblox.

The ToyAwards by the Spielwarenmesse are presented to manufacturers of genuine innovations. The originality of the product is one of the main criteria for choosing the winners.

Ernst Kick, CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG, said: “Our interest in this matter lies solely in protecting the ToyAwards. We need to ensure that they are only awarded to products that fully comply with the criteria. It appears that Calculix no longer meets these important requirements. For this reason, the Spielwarenmesse is exercising its right, as stated in its terms and conditions, to strip the company of the ToyAward 2020, presented in the Startup category on 28th January, with immediate effect.”