Tech

Nintendo Takes Legal Action Against ‘Pokémon With Guns’ Developer

Nintendo Co. has always been renowned for its stringent protection of intellectual property, and its legal team is known for effectively using patents to shield the company’s game mechanics and characters from imitators. In a new development, Nintendo’s lawyers have set their sights on Tokyo-based game studio Pocketpair Inc., the creator of the hit game Palworld, which has often been described as “Pokémon With Guns.”

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According to patent attorney Ryo Arashida, Nintendo may have made strategic amendments to its patent holdings shortly after Palworld launched in January. “It appears likely that Nintendo and Pokémon officials examined the game before adjusting their patents to cover Palworld‘s gameplay mechanics,” Arashida explained.

Nintendo is reportedly seeking an injunction and ¥10 million (around $64,000) in damages. The company claims that Palworld infringes on patents related to capturing and battling creatures, as well as riding them—features long associated with Nintendo’s Pokémon franchise. Additionally, Nintendo has other patent applications in the pipeline, which could be used to allege further violations depending on Pocketpair’s legal maneuvers, Arashida added.

Although Nintendo has not publicly commented on the legal case moving through the Tokyo District Court or its strategies, Pocketpair has stated that it will present its defense during court proceedings. Live Newztalkies.com will keep a close eye on this legal battle, given its potential impact on the gaming industry.

Nintendo’s Aggressive IP Protection

Ninten do’s proactive legal measures underscore the critical importance of its intellectual property, which includes a beloved lineup of characters and game mechanics developed over decades. Live Newztalkies.com previously reported on how Nintendo has diversified its monetization efforts, including theme parks, branded products, and a museum dedicated to the company’s iconic characters. Recent launches include the Alarmo, a $99 alarm clock that features music and phrases from famous Nintendo games.

In its pursuit of safeguarding its IP, Nint endo has also invested heavily in Hollywood, producing The Super Mario Bros. Movie and developing a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. As IP law specialist Tomohiro Matsushita from Univis Law Firm noted, “Nintendo is meticulous in its legal planning,” a point demonstrated in various high-profile cases.

Notable Nintendo Lawsuits

Colopl Rune Story: One of Nint endo’s most prominent legal wins involved Colopl Inc. The lawsuit claimed that Colopl’s Shironeko Project, known internationally as Colopl Rune Story, violated patents related to touchscreen controls initially designed for the Nintendo DS Wrist Strap. After years of legal wrangling, Colopl settled in 2021, paying ¥3.3 billion in damages. Notably, Nintendo had previously modified the patent at issue, which allowed it to increase the damages claim from ¥4.4 billion.
MariCar: In another case, a court ordered Mari Mobility Development Inc., the company behind Mario Kart-themed go-kart tours, to pay ¥50 million for copyright infringement. Tour participants often dressed as characters from Mario Kart, prompting Nintendo to take legal action. Japan’s Supreme Court upheld the ruling in 2020, marking a significant victory for Nintendo.
Majikon: Nintendo also secured a win in a case against distributors of flash cartridges known as majikon. These cartridges enabled users to play pirated games on the Nintendo DS. In 2009, a court issued an injunction against five companies importing and selling these devices, and by 2012, Japanese authorities made sales of majikon illegal. The crackdown culminated in a 2016 ruling awarding Nintendo and other companies ¥95.6 million in damages.

The Broader Implications

Ninten do’s aggressive defense strategy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by game developers who might inadvertently—or intentionally—encroach upon established IP. For companies like Pocketpair Inc., the case of Palworld may shape the way smaller studios approach game development in the future. As live Newztalkies.com continues to monitor these developments, it’s clear that Nintendo’s approach to IP protection not only secures its assets but also influences industry-wide practices.

Live Newztalkies.com will provide further updates as the case unfolds, keeping readers informed on all aspects of this legal confrontation and what it means for the gaming world.