Nintendo and The Pokémon Company Secure Patent on Character Summoning Mechanic

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have recently reinforced their hold over a defining video game mechanic by securing a patent that covers the summoning of a character to engage in combat—a feature synonymous with Pokémon games.

Officially granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as Patent No.

12,403,397, this filing strengthens the companies' intellectual property in one of the gaming industry's most recognizable core mechanics. The newly awarded patent outlines the process of summoning a playable character, such as a creature or companion, and allowing it to fight in place of the player.

The feature closely mirrors gameplay found in the mainline Pokémon series, where trainers select their Pokémon to battle opponents.

Importantly, this latest patent complements an earlier issuance (Patent No.

12,409,387) that focuses on the 'smooth switching of riding objects'—another innovative system featured in recent titles such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. According to documents from the USPTO, the joint filing was originally submitted in March 2023.

After thorough review, the patent was granted in the summer of 2024 and made official in early June.

This move aligns with a proactive strategy from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company to safeguard elements that have distinguished their franchises for decades. Though summoning mechanics are present in a variety of video games, the timing of this patent is notable.

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are currently engaged in a legal dispute with Pocketpair, the developers of the 2024 hit game Palworld.

Accusations involving the unauthorized use of signature elements led Pocketpair to alter Palworld's gameplay by removing its own summoning function.

This ongoing case underscores the heightened efforts by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company to assert their rights and deter similar feature utilization in rival titles. A representative for Nintendo emphasized that the company is committed to protecting innovative gameplay experiences for its global audience and game partners.

The details of the patent further solidify Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's reputation for defending the unique mechanics found in their best-selling franchises, especially as the games industry continues to expand on platforms like Nintendo Switch and the eShop. As video game technology evolves and gameplay innovations proliferate, securing patents remains a critical strategy for industry leaders seeking to maintain a competitive edge.

This latest legal development reaffirms Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s dedication to both creativity and the longstanding legacy of their brands.

Pokémon Nintendo The Pokémon Company Palworld Pokémon Company patent USPTO Pocketpair