The Pokémon Company Addresses Unauthorized Use of Its IP in U.S. Government Video

The Pokémon Company, one of the most recognizable names in the global gaming and entertainment sectors, has officially responded following the widespread circulation of a video produced by the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The video, which has gained considerable attention online, featured clips from the Pokémon anime series and its iconic theme song.

This content was included without prior consultation or approval from The Pokémon Company, raising significant concerns regarding the unauthorized use of its intellectual property (IP). Background Context: Pokémon, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, remains a flagship franchise in both gaming and animation.

Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has expanded its reach through video games on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, a prolific anime series, and a variety of merchandising endeavors.

The brand’s strict control over its image and licensing agreements is well-established within the gaming industry. In recent days, a video attributed to the U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, spread rapidly across social media platforms.

The video reportedly used Pokémon anime footage and music to convey messages relating to the deportation of migrants—a context unrelated to Pokémon’s intended audience or messaging.

This sparked reactions across the gaming community, with many calling for clarity from The Pokémon Company regarding its stance on the matter. In a formal statement, a spokesperson for The Pokémon Company addressed the situation, saying the company is aware of the recent video distributed by the Department of Homeland Security, which included visuals and language referencing Pokémon’s brand.

The company made it clear that it had no involvement in the production or dissemination of this content, nor did it give authorization for the use of its intellectual property.

The statement reaffirmed, “Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property.” The incident underscores the sensitivity with which The Pokémon Company regards its properties, especially as the brand continues to see success on Nintendo platforms like the Nintendo Switch.

The company has a long-standing reputation for consistently defending its IP from unauthorized use, upholding both the legal integrity and the family-friendly ethos of Pokémon across all media. While some online commentators have urged legal action against the misuse, The Pokémon Company’s statement focused on clarifying its non-involvement and reinforcing the importance of IP rights.

This episode serves as a high-profile reminder of the challenges companies like Nintendo and its partners face in protecting content from improper appropriation, particularly in highly visible, politicized contexts. The Pokémon Company remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of its intellectual property, ensuring that Pokémon-related content continues to be associated strictly with its official gaming, animation, and merchandising channels.

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