Nintendo Sues Palworld Developer Pocketpair Over Patent Infringement: Key Details Revealed
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Published on: September 22, 2024
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Nintendo has escalated its legal battle to protect the Pokémon franchise by filing a lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair, accusing the studio of infringing on multiple Nintendo patents.
Although details remain scarce on the specific patents at the center of the dispute, both Nintendo and Pocketpair have publicly stated that no comprehensive breakdown has been shared — leaving the gaming community eager for clarification.
The controversy has sparked widespread discussion about intellectual property (IP) boundaries in game development, especially with Palworld’s reported similarities to Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Japan, patent law consultant Kiyoshi Kurihara provided professional insights into Nintendo's legal approach (interview translation provided via Automaton Media).
Kurihara explained that while many observers initially suspected Nintendo would focus on copyright claims regarding Palworld’s monster designs, the company likely faced challenges in proving direct copyright infringement.
As a result, Nintendo appears to have shifted tactics, pursuing Pocketpair for patent infringement instead.
Kurihara outlined, “There has been ongoing debate regarding the resemblance of Palworld’s monsters to Pokémon.
While their designs bear resemblance, they narrowly avoid direct copyright violation.” Instead, Kurihara points to gameplay mechanics as the crux of Nintendo’s claim, stating, “The primary overlap is in the capture system: both games involve throwing a ball-like device to capture creatures.
If any patent is being violated, it’s most likely in this area.”
Supporting his analysis, Kurihara identified four divisional patent applications filed jointly by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company in 2021.
These divisional patents—designed to segment out and fortify specific game mechanics—were reportedly filed as part of a strategic move to accelerate legal protection and target emerging competitors with similar features.
Kurihara specifically highlighted Patent No.
7545191, which details technical aspects of capturing monsters in a game: aiming a capture item (analogous to a Poké Ball) at a target, executing the throw, and calculating the success of capture attempts.
According to Kurihara, “This patent could pose a significant barrier for any developer aiming to create a Pokémon-like experience, as unintentional infringement is a real risk.”
Other associated patents are believed to cover features such as riding creatures—a mechanic present both in recent Pokémon games and Palworld—as well as additional gameplay systems related to creature collection and interaction.
All indications suggest Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have thoroughly prepared to defend their IP portfolio against projects they deem too similar to their flagship franchise.
As of now, no court date has been announced and legal proceedings could take months or years to reach a resolution.
The outcome may have lasting implications for indie developers and major studios alike, especially those seeking to innovate within established genres on platforms like Nintendo Switch or via the eShop.
The gaming industry will be watching closely as this high-profile legal dispute unfolds, with regular updates expected from official Nintendo channels and legal analysts worldwide.
