Nintendo Sues Palworld Developer for Patent Infringement
Nintendo recently filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developer behind the popular game Palworld, citing infringement of “multiple patent rights.”
The lawsuit was officially announced on Nintendo’s website, stating that the company had taken legal action in a Tokyo court on September 18th. Nintendo is seeking an injunction and compensation for damages, alleging that Palworld infringes on several of its patent rights.
Palworld: A Pokemon-Inspired Game
Fans have often compared Palworld to Pokémon, even dubbing it “Pokémon with guns.” The game, known for its monster collecting and battling mechanics, has faced criticism for its creature designs bearing similarity to Pokémon.
Initially released in January for PC and Xbox platforms, including Xbox Game Pass, Palworld quickly gained popularity. The game attracted millions of players within its first month, driving significant playtime on Xbox consoles and Steam.
Despite early concerns raised by Pokémon fans, The Pokémon Company did not pursue further action against Palworld. However, Pocketpair’s teaser for a PlayStation 5 version may have prompted Nintendo to take legal action now to safeguard its intellectual property.
Protecting Intellectual Property
Nintendo emphasized its commitment to protecting its intellectual property rights, including the Nintendo brand. The company stated that it would take necessary actions to safeguard the properties it has developed over the years.
Eurogamer reached out to Pocketpair for comment on the ongoing legal battle.