Key Points
- Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Palworld creator Pocketpair Inc.
- The lawsuit claims that Palworld infringes on multiple patents related to the Pokémon series.
- Palworld gained over 25 million players within a month of its release. The game features gameplay in which players use guns to capture and train creatures called “pals.”
- The Pokémon Company had previously warned it would take action against aotential intellectual property violations.
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair Inc., the Tokyo-based producer of the popular survival adventure game Palworld. The companies submitted the lawsuit to the Tokyo District Court on Wednesday, seeking an injunction to stop the game’s distribution and financial compensation for damages. They allege that Palworld infringes on multiple patents held by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Palworld, often described as “Pokémon with guns,” quickly gained widespread popularity, amassing over 25 million players within a month of its release in mid-January. The game features gameplay where players can capture, train, and battle using creatures called “pals,” similar to the iconic Pokémon series. However, one distinct and controversial feature of Palworld is the ability for players to use guns as part of their strategy, a sharp contrast to the family-friendly tone typically associated with the Pokémon franchise.
Representatives from Pocketpair did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the news of the lawsuit.
The Pokémon Company indicated in January that it would investigate any potential infringement on its intellectual property rights, especially following Palworld’s rising success and its striking similarities to the Pokémon games. As the lawsuit unfolds, the key focus will likely be whether Palworld unlawfully copies game mechanics, character designs, or other patented features from Pokémon.
The lawsuit’s timing coincides with Pocketpair’s recent business developments. In July, Pocketpair announced the formation of a joint venture, Palworld Entertainment Inc., in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment. This partnership was intended to expand the Palworld brand and broaden its global reach, which could complicate the legal battle.
While Palworld has captured players’ attention with its unique blend of creature collection and combat, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are taking firm action to protect their intellectual property. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant ramifications for both companies and the broader gaming industry, particularly in how closely new games can resemble established franchises without crossing legal boundaries.
