In a move that sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developer behind the popular creature-collecting survival game Palworld. The lawsuit, filed in Japan’s Tokyo District Court, alleges that Palworld infringes upon multiple patent rights held by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. This legal battle marks a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding the similarities between Palworld and the iconic Pokémon franchise.
The lawsuit, announced on September 18, 2024, seeks an injunction against further infringement of the patents in question as well as financial compensation for damages. Nintendo’s statement emphasized their commitment to protecting their intellectual property, asserting that they will take necessary actions against any infringement of their brand and technologies.
The Pokémon Company had previously expressed concern about Palworld, stating in February 2024 that they would “investigate and take appropriate measures to address any acts that infringe on intellectual property rights related to the Pokémon.” Now, it appears those measures have taken shape.
While the specifics of the patents being challenged remain shrouded in mystery, Pocketpair has responded to the lawsuit, stating their unawareness of the specific patents in question. The company expressed regret that the lawsuit would divert time and resources away from Palworld’s development, but reaffirmed their commitment to the game and its players.
Despite the lawsuit, Palworld remains available for purchase on PC and Xbox Series X/S, and is scheduled to be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show.
As the legal battle unfolds, many are speculating about the specific patents Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are pursuing. While Nintendo’s statement provided few details, industry insiders and observers have pointed to a U.S. patent held by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for a “video game character throwing an item to catch a monster while out in field.” This patent, which is also considered valid in Japan, closely resembles the gameplay mechanics of Pokémon Legends: Arceus and, notably, Palworld.
It’s worth noting that this lawsuit will be adjudicated under Japanese patent law, which may differ slightly from its American counterpart. However, the potential for a successful lawsuit against Pocketpair appears strong, given the potential for Nintendo and The Pokémon Company to establish a clear case of patent infringement. This legal battle is sure to be closely watched by the gaming industry, and could have far-reaching implications for future game development and intellectual property protection.
