In a significant legal development, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have launched a patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developer behind the popular monster-catching RPG, Palworld. The lawsuit, filed in Japan, seeks substantial financial damages and an injunction to prevent the release of Palworld in the country.
Unlike typical copyright claims, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have chosen to pursue this legal action based on patent law. They are demanding 5 million yen (approximately $32,846) each, along with additional damages for delayed payment, Pocketpair revealed in a statement.
The lawsuit’s primary aim is to halt the release of Palworld in Japan entirely, which could have a substantial impact on the game’s availability on major gaming platforms, including PC, Microsoft’s Xbox, and Sony’s PlayStation. This aggressive legal maneuver is based on the alleged infringement of patents related to core gameplay mechanics that closely resemble those found in the iconic Pokémon series.
The contested patents, which include:
* Patent No. 7545191 (filed July 30, 2024; registered August 27, 2024)
* Patent No. 7493117 (filed February 26, 2024; registered May 22, 2024)
* Patent No. 7528390 (filed March 5, 2024; registered July 26, 2024)
These patents are said to cover fundamental gameplay elements such as capturing creatures in open environments—a mechanic popularized by Pokémon Legends: Arceus—and the ability to ride on top of creatures, both of which are central to Palworld’s gameplay.
The similarities between Palworld and Pokémon have been a subject of debate among fans and industry observers since the game’s initial release. Many have pointed out striking resemblances between certain “Pals” in Palworld and well-known Pokémon. For instance, the Pal named Sparkit bears a striking resemblance to Pikachu, sharing a similar small, yellow, and furry electric creature design. Similarly, Foxparks, a fire-based fox Pal, evokes memories of both Vulpix and Charmander with its fiery tail. Adding to the controversy, the Pal Mozzarina shares a distinct resemblance to Snorlax in expression and shape, while Grintale shares a likeness with Galarian Meowth.
Pocketpair has responded to the lawsuit with a resolute stance, stating their intention to vigorously defend their position in court. In a statement, the company said: “We will continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings.” Despite the legal challenge, Pocketpair remains committed to preserving Palworld’s availability, particularly given its commercial success and recent launch on the PS5.
This legal battle is poised to be a significant one in the gaming industry, with potentially far-reaching consequences for both Nintendo and Pocketpair. The outcome could set a precedent for future legal challenges related to intellectual property in the gaming realm. As the case unfolds, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how this legal dispute impacts the future of Palworld and its innovative approach to monster-catching gameplay.
