Nintendo and The Pokémon Company Sue Palworld Developer for Patent Infringement

Nintendo and its collaborator, The Pokémon Company, have initiated legal proceedings against the developer of the survival adventure game Palworld, alleging patent infringement. The lawsuit was filed with the Tokyo District Court and seeks an injunction against infringement and compensation for damages. Pocketpair Inc, the Tokyo-based developer of Palworld, is at the center of this legal dispute.

Palworld, described by some as “Pokémon with guns,” garnered substantial attention shortly after its release in January, attracting over 25 million players within a month. The game involves players capturing and training creatures, referred to as “pals,” while integrating elements of combat, monster-capturing, and resource management.

The Pokémon Company noted in January that it would investigate claims of intellectual property infringement associated with Palworld. Pocketpair’s CEO has previously asserted that the game adhered to legal standards. However, since the release of Palworld, similarities with the Pokémon franchise have been pointed out by fans and observers alike.

In response to questions about the alleged similarities, The Pokémon Company has reiterated its commitment to taking “appropriate action” to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite being contacted for remarks regarding the lawsuit, representatives from Pocketpair Inc have not immediately provided a response.

This legal battle comes at a time when Pocketpair has been expanding its operations. In July, the company announced the creation of Palworld Entertainment Inc, a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment and Aniplex Inc, aimed at promoting the licensing of Palworld on a global scale.