Duncan Toys Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Toy manufacturing |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Founder | Donald F. Duncan Sr. |
| Headquarters | Middlefield, Ohio , United States |
| Products | Yo-yos, toys |
Duncan Toys Company is a U.S.-based toy manufacturer located in Middlefield, Ohio. Established in 1929 by Donald F. Duncan Sr., the firm purchased the Flores Yo-Yo Company from Pedro Flores, who was responsible for introducing the yo-yo to the American market.
The company boosted the yo-yo's popularity through nationwide contests, which were advertised in publications owned by William Randolph Hearst. Participants in these events were tasked with selling subscriptions to Hearst newspapers. In 1965, a federal court decided that Duncan did not possess exclusive rights to the word "yo-yo," as it had become a common term.
In 1968, Duncan Toys was incorporated as a division within Flambeau. By October 2024, Duncan separated from Flambeau to operate as an independent entity.
The Duncan yo-yo earned a place in the Strong National Museum of Play's National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.
In 2017, the creators of Rubik's Cube filed a lawsuit against Duncan Toys concerning their "Quick Cube," alleging that it closely replicated the design and characteristics of the Rubik's Cube puzzle.