Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Japanese game developer Pocketpair in Tokyo. The dispute centers around Palworld, a game that many have likened to a Pokémon parody due to its focus on creatures that resemble Pokémon, some even wielding firearms. Palworld, released in Early Access on January 18, quickly gained popularity, selling 15 million copies on Steam and amassing 25 million players in just one month.
Shortly after Palworld's release, The Pokémon Company announced it was investigating a January 2024 game that might infringe on the intellectual property rights of Pokémon. The investigation is now complete, and the company has opted to pursue legal action.
Nintendo has confirmed in its lawsuit announcement that the aim is to secure an injunction against Palworld and seek compensation for damages. The company alleges that Palworld violates "multiple patent rights" tied to the Pokémon franchise, which is a major pillar of both Nintendo's and The Pokémon Company's portfolios.
Pocketpair's Defense
Prior to the lawsuit, Pocketpair's CEO Takuro Mizobe had defended Palworld, asserting that the game underwent legal reviews to ensure there were no infringement issues. He described Palworld as having more in common with survival games like Ark: Survival Evolved and Vanaheim rather than Pokémon. Mizobe maintained that the development had not faced any legal challenges until this lawsuit.
Despite these assertions, the similarities between Palworld's "Pals" and Pokémon creatures are hard to ignore. However, Palworld introduces a darker, more violent tone. Players can interact with the creatures, known as Pals, in a variety of ways, such as forming alliances to fend off poachers. Yet, the game also allows players to take darker actions, like forcing Pals into brutal combat, selling them into slavery, or even eating them.
The Legal Impact
This lawsuit sets the stage for a significant legal confrontation over intellectual property in video games. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have long been vigilant in protecting their brands. Pocketpair will likely argue that the dark, survival-game mechanics of Palworld set it apart. The outcome of this case could have important implications for future games that draw inspiration from popular franchises while treading the line between homage and infringement.