Nintendo Sues Palworld Developer for Patent Infringement

Nintendo Sues Palworld Developer for Patent Infringement

September 19, 2024
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have initiated legal action against Pocketpair, Inc., the developer behind Palworld, alleging infringement of multiple patents. The lawsuit aims to halt the sale of the game and seeks compensation for damages, citing significant similarities between Palworld and the long-established Pokémon franchise.

Released in January 2024, Palworld has drawn attention due to its gameplay mechanics, which involve capturing and battling creatures called “pals,” leading to its comparison with the Pokémon series. The game has been colloquially referred to as “Pokémon with guns,” a nickname that reflects the controversy surrounding its resemblance to Pokémon.

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company argue that Palworld violates intellectual property related to creature design, mechanics, and overall gameplay, seeking to enforce an injunction and financial reparations for the alleged infringements. In response, Pocketpair has expressed disappointment, emphasizing that they are currently unaware of the specific patents they are being accused of infringing upon. The company voiced concerns over having to divert resources from development to handle the legal dispute, asserting its commitment to supporting indie developers and their creative pursuits .

This case highlights Nintendo’s long-standing policy of aggressively protecting its intellectual property, particularly around high-profile franchises like Pokémon. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for independent developers and broader questions about the boundaries between inspiration and infringement in the video game industry .

Sources:

• Nintendo Co., Ltd., The Pokémon Company. “Filing Lawsuit for Infringement of Patent Rights against Pocketpair, Inc.” News Release. September 19, 2024.
• Pocketpair, Inc. “Regarding The Lawsuit.” Statement. September 19, 2024.
• “Palworld: Nintendo Sues ‘Pokémon with Guns’ Video Game Firm.” BBC News.